Valldemossa is a village of medieval origins nestling in a valley and known for its fertile soil and picturesque charm. It has a fascinating past, closely associated with important figures from Mallorca’s history and, back in the 19th century, it became a major attraction for visitors to the island. As a result, numerous famous figures and artists were drawn to Valldemossa in search of refuge or inspiration. Reminders of their presence can be found in many corners of the village.  

Cartoixa (Vicenç Sastre)

Valldemossa Monastery and the village of Valldemossa

Jesus of Nazareth Charterhouse, also known as Valldemossa Carthusian Monastery, (1) was an important religious centre. After the property was confiscated from the Church, it became a place of rest. Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, Chopin and George Sand, and Rubén Darío are some of its best-known guests. Visits can be made to the monastery and to King Sancho’s Palace (2), the early part of the monastery building. The municipal gardens (3), which stand on the site of the main cloister, contain sculptures of the village’s illustrious visitors. When you leave the village along Camí de Son Mossènyer, you reach a mill called Molí de la Beata (4) and Font de na Llambies spring (5). 

Calle de la Rectoria (Concepció Bauçà de Mirabó)

This mountain village can best be discovered by walking down toward the parish church (6) and to Carrer de la Rectoria and the highly revered home and birthplace of Saint Catalina Thomàs (7). Further down is a fountain called Font de la Beata (8), in commemoration of this Mallorcan peasant saint. As you leave the village, it is easy to see how Valldemossa gradually grew up along the banks of streams carrying water from local springs.  

Mirador del Puig de sa Moneda (Vicenç Sastre)

Archiduque Lluís Salvador

Ramon Llull and Archduke Ludwig Salvator

Puig de sa Moneda (1) is a peak crowned by a tower built in Arabic style, commissioned by Archduke Ludwig Salvator, who bought a large part of the coastal lands between Valldemossa and Deià. If you take the Ma-10 road, a track leads off it and climbs up to Santíssima Trinitat Hermitage (2), founded in the 17th century, following in the footsteps of Ramon Llull. This medieval philosopher was the first illustrious figure to come to Valldemossa when he founded a monastery and school of Oriental languages, in 1276, at Miramar (3), a house on which Archduke Ludwig Salvator would later also leave his imprint.