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- Geography and History
Valldemossa?s geography and history is rich in nuances. Its privileged position and special characteristics have bestowed upon this locality on the island of Mallorca a very marked identity.
Valldemossa?s Geography and History. It is located in a valley of the Tramuntana mountain range, the range that extends all along the north area of the island of Mallorca. The range was named a world heritage site by the UNESCO in 2011; its highest peak is Puig major, with a height of 1445m.
Valldemossa is located some 435m above sea level, some 17km from Palma. It is surrounded by luxuriant vegetation that makes up forests of Holm oaks, interspersed with fields of almond trees and thousand year old olive trees. The Puig de Teix is the highest peak in the area at 1064m.
The name Valldemossa comes from a time of Moorish domination that started in 711 and extended over some 300 years, it means Valley of Mussa, the name of the noble Arab who settled in this area. In 1220, Mallorca was re-conquered by King Jaime I of Cataluña and Aragón. Years later in 1276, philosopher Ramón Llull, founded the Miramar Monastery in Valldemossa, it housed Europe?s first school for oriental languages.
Sometime later, in 1309, the second son of King Jaime I, Jaime II, who was to later be named King of Mallorca, ordered the building of a palace in Valldemossa for is son Sancho. In the same century, in 1399, the Cartuja de Valldemossa (carthusian monastery) was founded. King Martín I of Aragón granted palace space to the Carthusian monks to transform into an area dedicated to religion.
In 1485, Nicolau Calafat, Valldemossa?s watchmaker built the first printing press in Mallorca.
One important fact we must highlight from Valldemossa?s history is the birth, in 1531, of Catalina Thomas, who is now considered a saint.
A relevant historical event was the transfer to the Cartuja in 1801 of Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, an illustrious minister of the Spanish King Carlos III who was banished and made prisoner. After his captivity in Valldemossa he was moved to the Castle of Bellver to complete his sentence.
And we can?t forget, as important historical information, the visit of the famous polish composer Frederick Chopin and his partner George Sand during 1838.
A little later, in 1867, Archduke Luis Salvador of Austria considered to be a pioneer for tourism in the Balearic Islands, visited Valldemossa. The Archduke bought many estates on the north coast of Mallorca. With his love of culture he sponsored the work of artists and scientists of his day, making the name Valldemossa known on an international scale.
And we have to emphasize the role of Joan Sureda, illustrious patron at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th century. While he lived in the Palace of Rey Sancho, many eminent personages of the day passed through his doors.
This emblematic tower is found on a curve of the C710, on the Sierra de Tramuntana close to the village of Banyalbufar, and offers some fantastic sea views. Ideal for photography lovers.
Carretera C710
Elevated in the Cort Square, the Town Hall building boasts a Baroque facade made from numerous elements (1649-1680).
Civil Gothic building (XV century). Currently this building has become a centre for art exhibitions.
National Heritage Museum and ancient fortress of Arab origin, the Palace preserves the Gothic modifications to which it was subjected in the XIV century.
Castle of Gothic style, unique in its surrounding area (XVI century). Located on a hill outside the city, superb sight of the bay.
One of the most traditional excursions of Majorca. You can get there from the village of Alaro by foot or by car.
Fortification which defended the quay of Porto Pi, built in the XVII century, and Military Museum. Superb views of the bay and city of Palma.
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