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MALLORCA - BALEARICS

  
Mallorca

Mallorca has an interesting and turbulent history, passing through numerous hands before emerging as one of the foremost tourist islands in the world..

200BC Greek and Phoenician traders regularly visited the island
123BC The Romans conquered the island to put a stop to piracy.
450AD Invaded by the Germanic tribe of Vandals and brought into their North African Empire. 
534AD The Byzantines (Helenic Romans) took over and formed a self Government under Justinian.
902 AD Mallorca conquered by Arabs. Initially the Caliphate of Cordoba and then the Kingdom of Denia before becoming an independent Kingdom.
1229AD King Jaume 1 conquered the island creating the new state of Mallorca and granted it the Population Charter.
Jaume 1 built Palma Cathedral.

In this new Christian era, Mallorcans were forced to give up Judaism and Islam - or be burnt at the stake.
Jaume 1 divided up the land between his followers and the Church creating a land of big landowners.

As a result, until the dawn of the modern age feudalism and hereditary leaseholds brought centuries of poverty and oppression

1349AD Mallora fell to Aragon in the battle of LLucmajor and became part of the future kingdom of Spain.

The fortress in the north of the Pollensa Bay was erected in 1634 to defend the island from was the plague of   pirates between the 14th to 17th Centuries.
In its ruins the lighthouse was erected.

Pollensa

1236 The Knights Templar founded the main church, Nostra Senjora del Angels.

Just beside the church past the Font des Galles, or Cock Fountain, the palace of the Templars still stands

Its only a few paces to the Church of Monti Sion founded by the Jesuits in 1679 and used until the late 18th Century.

Both the Knights Templar and the Jesuits were forced to disband.

The Jesuits church however survived as the Town Hall and a school.

Note

1230 Castell del Rei, near Pollensa, the objective of a ramble I describe below, was a castle built by the Moors as a refuge from Christian conquerors.

1342 Jaume 3 was forced to take cover there from the Aragon troops of Peter 4.

Geographical Description. —Mallorca is 3.640 km˛. in area. It’s coast line extends for about 300km. The whole population of the Island is around 650.000.

The island has the form of a rhomboid with three large bays: Palma, Alcudia and Pollensa/Pollenca. The three are full of beauty.

Mallorca offers two zones: the Mountains (Sa Muntanya) and the Plain (Es Pla).

The Mountains occupy the northern part from NE. to NW. running parallel to the coast. The chain is about 100km. long with 6 to 12 kms. wide. The chain extends from La Dragonera (separated by the Freu), extreme west point of the Island, to Formentor Cape, which is the extreme northern point. The highest peak is Puig Mayor attaining 1500 metres. The northern ridge is called La Serra and it occupies the fifth of the total area of the Island.

The Plain (Es Pla) covers the southern part of the Island, it is devoted to agriculture. Its great fertility is owed to its situation, because the northern mountains give great protection from the violent gales. The surface is level and low and makes possible the subterranean water supply around Palma at Sant Jordi as well as La Puebla. One can see water mills with motors by the hundreds. In this part of the Island mountains are scare and low.

 

PUERTO DE POLLENCA

The delightful "Small Town" Port of Pollensa/Puerto Pollenca, used to be a small fishing port until about 60 years ago and it still prides itself as being one of the most unspoilt tourist resorts on the Islands. It has a very varied selection of eating places ranging from cafeterias and Tapa Bars to high quality restaurants.

     Bird Watching   

Mallorca has outstanding bird life and Puerto Pollenca is the ideal base for anyone interested in bird watching. It is close to the Albufera Marsh, the Tramuntana mountains and the sea cliffs of Formentor.
The Albufera Marsh is considered to be one of the finest wetland sites in Europe. It is considered to be well run and there are ample hides to view the birds. Black-winged Stilts, Kentish Plovers, Glossy Ibis, Spoonbills, and Flamingos are all possible sightings..
Within walking distance, across the road from the apartment itself, is the Boquer valley which is outstanding for migrants, especially in mid-April to mid-May.
It your are lucky you may see Black Vultures, Eleonora's Falcon, Audouin's Gull, Moustached Warbler and Marmora's Warbler. All of which are difficult to see in the rest of Europe

Recommended reading are the following; A Birdwatcher's Guide to Mallorca by Graham Hearl, Finding Birds in Mallorca by David Gosney, and Gosney in Mallorca.
These can be purchased 'on line' from www.birdguides.com 

FORMENTOR

The road runs thought the hamlet of Puerto de Pollensa/Puerto Pollenca and immediately after leaving the village it begins to rise. The panorama changes completely after Puerto de Pollensa/Puerto Pollenca. We are now in the middle of Costa Brava (fierce or wild coast). 10 kms. from Puerto de Pollensa/Puerto Pollenca the pinewoods stretch away for several square kilometres, and in this wilderness is a beach of fine sands and the Hotel Formentor.

FORMENTOR LIGHTHOUSE

If Mallorca were a Continent we could say that Formentor is a Peninsula terminating in Cape Formentor, the extreme north of the Island. In clear weather one can see the island of Menorca with Ciudadela at the nearest point (4OKms) between Mallorca and Menorca.

POLLENSA

About 6 kms inland from Puerto de Pollensa/Puerto Pollenca lies the "Old Town" with its small narrow, older world streets and local shops. On Sunday the town is brought to life by the local market in the morning. It has plenty of noteworthy features and picturesque surroundings which can be the aim of’ many excursions. The principal ones are:

To CALVARIO (CALVARY)

Magnificent view of the surrounding area from the "Calvario" Chapel at the top of 365 steps (one per day of the year) which are lined with Cyprus trees.

NOTE: On Good Friday in the Town of Pollensa the "devallament" takes place, a ceremony which dates from the middle Ages. At night, in absolute silence, the torch-bearing towns people dressed with the regional cape carry the Statue of Christ Reclining from its place in the Oratorio del Calvario on a hill overlooking the town to the Parish Church of Nuestra Senora de los Angeles.

 

THE ORATORY OF THE PUIG DE MARIA:

Opposite the town of Pollensa, at 52 kilometres, a sign pointing to the Puig de Maria will be seen. Here you start the climb (approx. 27Om/885ft) to the Sanctuary, which takes about an hour and a half, the Church being located on a isolated hill with splendid views overlooking the bays of Pollensa and Alcudia. You can have your lunch in the Sanctuary’s hostelry or enjoy your picnic contemplating the breathtaking views.

 

THE CASTELL DEL REI (KING’S CASTLE) PALMA

It’s a good place from which to view the lofty cliffs of the northern coast.

However entrance to the estate is restricted to Saturdays up to 12:00 noon.
You may also be asked for some form of identification.

 

THE VALLEY D’EN MARCH:

On the road leading to Lluc; itself the starting point for other excursions.

 

ALCUDIA

This is the ancient capital of Mallorca, in those days called "Pollentia". The walls of the old city still remain intact and it is just by these walls where they hold the market on Sundays and Tuesdays mornings. A wide choice of souvenirs is available from leather goods to embroidered tablecloths. Remember to bargain and as always beware of pickpockets — especially the gypsies!!.

ROMAN REMAINS:

To the right of the walls, on the opposite side of the road, can be found the remains of an old amphitheatre. This is open to the public and there is no charge.

PLAZA DE TOROS — BULL RING

This may be found to the left of the walls in Alcudia. In summer bullfights take place once a week.

ALCUDIA — HERMITAGE OF LA VICTORIA:

From Alcudia, at the very beginning of the road going to the Puerto, on the left there branches off the road which, from Mal Pas, borders the sea until it reaches the beginning of the road up to the "Ermita de la Victoria". From the Hermit age there is a magnificent panoramic view of the entire Bay of Pollensa and Formentor peninsular.

Refreshments can be had in the Hermitage’s hostelry. On the way down there are numerous small coves suitable for swimming.

For those preferring a shorter excursion, you can go by car to the starting point of the road up to the Hermitage, the climb up then taking 15 minutes.

If you take advantage of the opportunity of lunching at the hostelry you can then return to Alcudia and visit the city’s walls and the ruins of ancient Pollentia.

 

INCA.

The chief Town of the district is situated in the centre of the island and is very important as   an agricultural centre. Every Thursday a busy market is held there, and the November fair is very well known especially the DIJOUS BÔ, the most important among all the agricultural shows held in Mallorca.

There are textile mills and an important shoe and leather industry.

On the old road leaving Inca (this is Campanet) is the Menestralia glass blowing factory which is well worth a look as there is also an excellent shop. A slip road from the new highway also leads down to it.

Next door on the other side there is a large leather factory shop that has wonderful leather  goods at a fraction of the UK price.

 
Inca can be reached either by train or by car. Following the main road to Alcudia, about two kilometres from Inca, on the right hand side, you will find the way back to the Hermitage. After a climb of about four kilometres one reaches the top of the Puig d’Inca, upon which one can enjoy a beautiful overall view, not only of the Mallorca plain, but also of the bays of Alcudia and Pollensa.

 
 

INCA:— HERMITAGE OF SANTA MAGDALENA

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SELVA:-

During the summer (March to October) Mallorquin dancing is held in Selva every Tuesday and Friday at 15.30hrs (3.30pm), at other times of the year it takes place at 15.45 (3.45pm).

 

CUEVAS DEL DRACH

They are known throughout the world. Inside is the Lake Martel, supposed to be one of the largest underground lakes in the world. There, concerts of classic music are performed daily.

The beauty of these caves is considered exceptional because of the lighting, planned and realized by Dr. Buigas.

These Caves are open to the public all year round.

CUEVAS HAMS (HAMS CAVES)

They are called HAMS after the Mallorca word for "hook" on account of the great number of’ harpoon—shaped white, transparent stalactites in them. They stretch out for about 350 mtrs.

 

CUEVAS DE ARTA (ARTA CAVES)

The gateway is like a high vaulted mouth gaping over an enormous precipice onto the sea. The sea is seen from a very great height through the opening in the rock. The visit is carried on with all comfort on account of the firm track and electric lighting. They stretch out for about 300 mtrs and have been considered by some as among the most beautiful in the world.

 
CUEVAS DE CAMPANET:-In Campanet the Parish Church is worth a visit. It was begun in 1717, and its outstanding feature is the sculpture on the altar. The Church conserves the relics of the Martyr San Victoriano, the complete body of the Saint dressed as a warrior. After this visit one can follow the road bordering the stream bed (Torrent de San Miquel) until reaching a bridge. After crossing we arrive at the HERMITAGE, WHICH WAS ONE OF THE FIRST CHURCHES CONSTRUCTED IN Mallorca after its conquest by King Jaime I. In the pulpit there are three very old carved figures, representing Saint Peter, Saint Michael and Saint John the Baptist. Other altar pieces and paintings and paintings can also be seen in the Hermitage. When the visit to the Hermitage is over the walk can be continued to the Caves of Campanet, which one can visit before returning to the village by the same road. The total distance covered will have been about 8 kilometre                          

SOLLER:-

A centre for very interesting rambles. The most interesting mountain excursion that can be made from Soller is the "CORNADOR".

Leave Sóller and continue our excursion by the same road that brought us there, 5 kms. from the Town we come to the Port. It is a fishermen’s village, and a summer resort — a favourite place for long stays with its fine beach.

 

VALLDEMOSSA.   

La Real Cartuja (Royal Carthusian Convent) was founded in 1339 by King Martin, who relinquished the Palace of the Kings of Mallorca for the purpose of founding the convent.

During the winter of 1838—39 Chopin and the celebrated novelist Georges Sand lived here in the monastery in the company of her son and daughter; here Chopin composed a number of his well known Preludes.  

This is well worth a visit. 
It is interesting to see the 'Monk's Cells' each with its own garden. Not exactly as primitive as the word 'Cell' would lead you to believe.

Open 9.3Oam to 1.00.pm and 15.00pm to 17.30pm. 

Valldemossa makes much of the short stay by Chopin and George Sand. However in George Sand's book 'Winter in Mallorca' she was less than pleased by the attitude of the inhabitants whom she clearly disliked intensely and scathing of the monks. A copy of the book is on the bookshelf in the apartment.  

Having said that Valldemossa has a number of attractive cafes and restaurants close by the monastery itself, enabling you to have a very pleasant day out.

 

                    

LA GRANJA (THE OLD FARMHOUSE)                                             

From Roman times, the natural water supply of La Granja has been of prime importance. From a rock formation it spouts ten metres (30 feet) into the air from an unknown source.It was of interest to the Moors who, from 1116 until 1229, dominated the Island. La Granja, the Al—Caria (place of little houses) was at that time called Alpich. From here the windmills pumped the water along aqueducts to Canet, some four kilometres away. This system is still in use today. 

The conquest by Jaime I in 1229 soon established rule over the scattered Moorish settlements and the feudal system came into being. A quarter of the Island was controlled by Count De Nuno Sans and he settled at La Granja. 

In 1239, La Granja was given to the Cistercian Monks (an order, founded in 1098 at Cistercium) who established the first convent on the Island. Two hundred years later, in 1447 the Monks adjoined themselves to the St. Bernard Monastery near Palma and sold La Granja to Don Mateo Vida.  For two hundred years it remained in his family and then changed hands to the Fortuny family who are still the existing owners today.  

As though cut off from the rest of the world, life goes on here as it always has done and it is only now that visitors are permitted to see it on its pure state. One cannot but be fascinated in the way the artisans skillfully follow their crafts, as their ancestors have done before. The peace and tranquility of this beautiful spot with the mountain water splashing over rocky crags is a visit into the past and a glimpse of the real Mallorca. If you enter by the old farm near the car park, 15.30 hrs., you will start your visit where the farmer milks the cow.            

                                        
CASTEL DEL REY