Valldemossa. Inspiring beauty
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Valldemossa
Mallorca

The village that welcomed George Sand and Frédéric Chopin flourishes in the midst of a valley in the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, with the Carthusian monastery as its emblematic protagonist.

On the road leading to Valldemossa, you suddenly catch a glimpse of the village in the middle of a valley. The view of the majestic Carthusian Monastery, or Cartoixa dominates the area, surrounded by old stone houses and mountains. It is worthwhile strolling through its steep streets, some of which are cobbled and always decorated with plant pots, creating an atmosphere that inspired writers like Jovellanos or Rubén Darío, as well as many other artists.

At the entrance to the village you will find Costa Nord, an interpretation centre that enables one to travel around the Serra through the figure of the Archduke Ludwig Salvator of Austria, the owner of several estates in the area —like Miramar or S’Estaca— and the author of an exhaustive work on the islands, The Balearics described in words and images; in addition, the centre houses a reproduction of the Nixe, the nobleman’s legendary yacht, and schedules exhibitions and concerts throughout the year. 

The monumental site of the Cartoixa, or Carthusian Monastery, concentrates a large part of the municipality’s history. It was founded in 1399 on the site of the former residence of the Kings of Mallorca, the Palace of King Sancho. And its cells were the setting, for one winter, of the romantic love affair between the Polish musician Frédéric Chopin and the French writer George Sand. Every August, the Carthusian cloister becomes the setting for the Chopin Festival, with performances by top international pianists. One essential stop is at the village bakery, to try a coca de patata, a typical spongey sweet local bun.