Valldemossa
The main attraction in Valldemossa is the Royal Charterhouse, in which Chopin and George Sand lived between 1838 and 1839. The couple travelled from Barcelona to Mallorca in order to find a milder climate, so that Chopin could improve his health condition. Once in Mallorca, it was confirmed that Chopin suffered from tuberculosis. During their stay on the island, George Sand wrote a book about their experiences (“A Winter in Mallorca”).
Surrounded by wide gardens, this monumental construction houses a cloister, a church, the old pharmacy, several cells, the municipal museum and King Sancho’s Palace. It is an old monastery as well as a royal residence that was inhabited by Carthusian monks between 1399 and 1835, when they were expelled. Its museum exhibits the Carthusian historical and artistic legacy, artworks from the 15th – 20th century.
The church is a neoclassical monument from the 18th century.
The old pharmacy is amazing, since it has old preparations and a collection of 135 period ceramic jars from Catalonia.
The monastery houses several cells in which documents, books, and furniture related to the Carthusian Order and other previous orders that lived here have been found.
Sancho’s Palace is the monks’ old royal residence as well as their first house. It still preserves the old access staircase, the cloister and a watchtower. In 1808, this building took in the persecuted writer Jovellanos, and at the beginning of the 20th century, it also gave shelter to Rubén Darío, Unamuno, Azorín and Eugeni d’Ors.
If you go to Valldemossa, you have to stop at the Costa Nord Centre, founded by Michael Douglas. Today, this place has become an interpretation centre about Serra de Tramuntana. Archduke Ludwig Salvator’s residences (Son Marroig and Miramar) are another must-see.
And do not forget that in August the Classical Music Chopin Festival takes place here.