Property for sale in Valldemossa

Valldemossa – a pretty mountain town steeped in history

It goes without saying that Valldemossa is a ‘must do’ on any tourist itinerary for those who appreciate art, beauty and culture. Ancient pedestrianised cobbled streets, historic buildings, lush countryside, a gentle climate…Valldemossa seems to have it all. Little wonder the place attracts people from all over the world wishing to visit this beautiful part of the island.

By the way, a good time to visit is on a Sunday morning when the colourful Valldemossa market takes place. It provides an excellent opportunity to sample some of the local goodies that the island is renowned for, such as Mallorcan cheeses, Iberian ham and various hearty fruits and vegetables.

A little history

Valldemossa literally drips in history. Originally named for a Moorish landowner by the name of Mossa (hence ‘valley of Mossa’), the asthmatic King Sancho built a palace here in the early 14th century due to the mild air.

Mallorca’s most famous saint, Santa Catalina Thomas, was born here in 1792. A nun noted for her outstanding piety, she was made a saint by the Pope. She is the catalyst for amazing annual fiestas both here in Valldemossa and other parts of the island. Her humble birthplace can still be visited today.

Move forward a little and you’ll discover that Polish composer Frédéric Chopin and his lover, the French writer George Sand, spent the winter of 1838/39 at Valldemossa’s imposing monastery (originally King Sancho’s palace later gifted to the monks.)

With a heritage such as this, it’s easy to see why Valldemossa is one of Majorca’s most popular towns to visit.

Valldemossa Monastery

The ‘Royal Carthusian Monastery of Jesus of Nazareth’ to give it its official name is to all intents and purposes Mallorca’s most visited building after Palma’s majestic cathedral, La Seu.

Open to visitors all the year round, it comprises a complex of buildings starting with the church with its Baroque paintings on the ceiling and rather ornate bishop’s throne. Beyond here you’ll find the cloisters and the pharmacy which serviced Valdemossa’s citizens’ medical needs until fairly recently. (Check out the collection of ancient glass jars and hand-painted wooden boxes, all labelled with their remedy of choice.)

The Monastery’s cells 2 and 4 is where you’ll spot various articles connected with the residence of Chopin and Sand, as it was these rooms that they rented for their stay. Cell no. 2 was where Chopin wrote the Raindrop Prelude. Cell no. 4 displays Chopin’s personal piano as well as other interesting artifacts.

Further along the cloisters you come to the Museu Municipal which partly concerns the exploits of Archduke Salvator, as well as a competent collection of local landscape paintings and modern art works including greats such as Max Ernst and Francis Bacon.

Finally, across the courtyard lies the Palace of King Sancho (see above), the oldest part of the monastery.

Around Valldemossa

Valldemossa does have a little port – Port de Valldemossa, and a small beach called Cala Sa Marina. Here all you’ll find are a few seaside villas and a restaurant, Es Port, renowned for its seafood. The drive down to here is absolutely stunning!

Valldemossa’s location makes it a good starting point for discovering some of Mallorca’s most beautiful cove-like beaches for which the island is justifiably famous. A few well worthy of a mention include Sa Bunyola, Port D’Es Canonge and Cala Banyalbufar.

Nearby and well worth a visit is the Monastery of Miramar which was purchased by the Archduke Salvator. And don’t forget Sa Foradada a real beauty spot reached by a rather precipitous route down to the coast.

The town also affords easy access to two of Mallorca’s most popular towns – the charming village of Deia for many years the haunt of artists and creatives, and Soller a beautiful town famous for its oranges, (Don’t miss out on sampling a local specialty – orange-flavoured ice cream!)

A visit to Soller’s port – Port de Soller – is an added bonus due to its delightful horseshoe-shaped bay and renowned restaurants.

How to get to Valldemossa

Valldemossa is situated on the main Ma-10 road and is about 40 minutes by car or taxi from Mallorca’s international airport. The regular bus service from Palma is an absolute delight due to the picturesque scenery. The town also has good bus services to Deia and Soller.

At Balearic Properties we would be delighted to help you find your dream property for sale in Mallorca. If you would like any information or advice please feel free to contact one of our friendly, helpful property professionals. Or simply give us a call on +34 971 53 2984. Check our our properties for sale in Valldemosa