Welcome To Valldemossa | Home

Attractions

Hotels

Photos

Restaurants

Route Map

Street Map

Attractions:

The principle feature of Valldemosa is without any doubt the Carthusian monastery. Following its construction in the 14th Century, this building lived an uneventful life up until confiscation by the Spanish government in 1835. During this period, the monastery was sold off to a series of private owners, whom have since hosted some prominent guests.

Of particular significance to local folklore is the famous story of the two lovers, the Polish composer Frederic Chopin and the French writer George Sand. The two, accompanied by their 15 year old son, Maurice, and 10 year old daughter, Solange rented out cells 2 and 4 in the monastery during the winter of 1838/39.

The reasons for their stay appear to be clear, and coincide with the villages greatest qualities today; clean air, peace, and tranquillity. These attributes it was thought would greatly assist in helping their relationship, as well as improving the health of Chopin whom was suffering from tuberculosis.

The rooms are still suggestive of the couples time spent there, with featured personal objects including a piano belonging to the composer, and the written manuscript of Sands travel account ‘"A winter on Majorca." Unfortunately, events did not go as planned, and detailed accounts are given in the book.

Revealing their admiration at the natural beauty of the island, yet expressing their regret at their perceptions of prejudice amongst the locals, the book was, up until 1979 banned across the island. Now widely available and easily purchased, the book is an integral part of Majorca’s heritage, in which of course, Valldemosa features heavily.

The islanders are proud of their famous lovers, and the role in which Valldemosa played in this tale can be experienced at first hand. Whilst it is unlikely that the tourists of today will perceive any prejudice or vices, what they will most certainly savour is the outstanding beauty of the village that remains unchanged, just as it was all those years ago.

The impact that this area of the island has, and in particular, its natural beauty continues to both surprise, and delight visitors. The Austrian Archduke Ludwig Salvator, a distinguished traveller and cultural writer whom set about actively promoting the area on account of its unique natural appeal, aptly noted this sensation. His legacy is continued to this day by another one of Valldemosa’s famous associates, the Hollywood actor Michael Douglas.

The Costas Nord is a cultural centre established in Valldemosa that seeks to give visitors some awareness as to the history of the Tramuntana coast and the surrounding environment and wildlife. As if to give his own personal endorsement to the appeal of the local area, Douglas himself gives a personal commentary on the visitor audio guides.

Fitting perfectly in line with the peace and relaxing atmosphere of the village, visitors can spend time finding comfort in the local bars and cafes near to, and within the Costas Nord itself.

For visitors that wish to actively pursue their cultural interests whilst in the village, museums and other points of interest are nearby. The museum of modern art features famed artists such as Piccasso, Miro and Juli Ramis. Furthermore, the pharmacy located within the monastery grounds is extremely interesting and a visit would be very worthwhile.

Indeed, Valldemosa is renown for its "clear airs" as noted by King Sacho during the 14th Century, and it is this unique feature, along with the quality of the local environment that led residing monks to believe conditions to be highly conducive to natural, pure remedies.

Should the fascinating historical folklore of Valldemosa not suffice in fulfilling your interests and curiosities, its very location high in the mountains, yet near to the sea should provide you with plenty of relaxation opportunities. The narrow, cobbled streets amongst the small village enclosed by tapas bars and cafes make for a pleasurably amble about the place.

Similarly, for those that wish to explore further a field, the various peaks within the Sierra de Tramuntana mountain range make for rigorous and challenging expeditions. Notable amongst these are the path of the Archduke, which eventually leads to a small village called Deia. Another popular trail is to the summit of the Teix. And should your appetite for relaxation still remain unfilled, the Port de Valldemosa with its beach, restaurant and beach bars are located only a short distance down from the town.

A final point of note, although not a concrete attraction in itself, refers more to the political make up of the municipality. Until earlier this year, the towns mayor was the only political figure to have remained in office from the times of the Francoist dictatorship. This movement disappeared when the Spanish constitution of 1978 was passed, and thus, the town had, in a small abstract form, one of the last remaining links to bygone eras in Spain’s political past.

For more information on the village of Valldemossa, or the island of Majorca in general, please try the Search Engine below:

© Copyright Islas Travel Guides
No part of this web site may be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publishers. For further information please contact Islas Travel Guides. Whilst every care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of editorial content of this site, no responsibility can be taken for any errors and omissions that occur therein.