
Real Cartuja de Valldemossa (Royal Charterhouse of Valldemossa) is the overall trademark of the charming area
The palace was built by king Jaume II in the beginning of the 14th century, for his son Nuño Sanç who suffered great from asthma. The clean air and mild temperatures of Mallorca’s mountains has always been known to have qualities beneficial to one’s health.
During the 14th century, the palace was used by the royals as a place for hunting.
By the end of the Mallorcan dynasty (1349), the king, Martin the Humane, gave the palace to the Carthusian order.
In 1717, the Carthusian monks began the expansions of both church and monastery.
In 1801, minister of justice, Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, was ordered in exile here. However, instead of treating Jovellanos as a prisoner, the monks showed him their natural hospitality. In return of their kindness, Jovellanos helped decorating the church. It is from this time he wrote two of his most famous works; ‘Historia de la Cartuja de Valldemossa’ and ‘Instrucción Pública’.
In 1833, the first Carlist War breaks out in Spain. In order to raise funds to support queen Isabella, prime minister Juan Mendizábel seized all private monasteries all over Spain and sold them to to private investors, whom would be promised shares in the state and great opportunities as landowners.
The Carthusians never found the money to buy back the palace, and the interior of it still points to the private owners who had it in the 1830’s.
The Chopin Museum
Speaking of the 1830’s, we can’t come about the story of Frederic Chopin and George Sand. The winter of 1838/39, Chopin and Sand traveled to Mallorca because of Chopin’s lung decease. They stayed in a cell in the palace, but when the local community fount out they were not married, they were no longer welcome in Valldemossa. From here, they fled to the small hermitage ‘Ermita de Valldemossa’, on the mountainsides near the coastline.
That winter became one of the most important periods of Chopin’s career. Also, George Sand wrote her famous work ‘A winter in Mallorca’ here.
Inside the charterhouse, in cell no 5, you can visit the Chopin museum. This is where Chopin and Sand stayed, and where many of their personal items are now exhibited including some of their works and Chopin’s piano.
Pictures of Real Cartuja
Get directions to the Real Cartuja monastery in Valldemossa
Valldemossa is renown for its irresistible charm and warmth that keeps dragging you in even though you have been here 100 times before, a special kind of magic. The area carries a long and rich heritage evidenced in the old Trinitat hermitage, the Miramar convent, the royal palace and the old urban core and church, however, in modern age it was the visit by Frederik Chopin and George Sand that gave fame to this village found in the most adorning valley deep in the mountains. There are a number of interesting attractions to see in Valldemossa, as well as a series of annual traditions celebrated with dances, parades and festivities for everyone.
Valldemossa hotels, things to do
More Points of Interest and things to do in Valldemossa
Monestir de Miramar, famous old hermitage
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Other monasteries and convents to visit in Mallorca
Mallorca's Top sightseeing attractions
Palma Cathedral

Palma cathedral La Seu is an amazing sight, both from the inside and outside. Palma cathedral is one of the biggest in Europe, and great artists like Gaudi have worked on the amazing temple. There are guided tours and you can even visit the rooftop terraces offering magical views.
The Antique Train

The antique train is a great attraction for young and adults. The ride takes you through some of the most beautiful areas of the Tramuntana, passing through orange plantations, olive groves and green valleys. The authentic feeling of the old marhogany cars bumping along the rails completes the experience.
Castell de Bellver

Castell de Bellver is a unique castle, due to its round shape and splendid location on a hilltop above Palma's bay. Much of Mallorca's most dramatic times are linked to the Bellver castle, and you will also find Palma's historical museum here. It's a great attraction for all ages.
Cuevas del Drach

Cuevas del Drach (Dragon Caves) is a great attraction to visit for all ages. Inside the stalagmite and stalactite caves in Porto Cristo, you will meet a true wonder of nature, along with the biggest underground lake in Europe on which an orchester will play a beautiful live concert on before you can enjoy a short ride.
Santuari de Lluc

Santuari de Lluc is a monastery situated deep in the highest areas of the Tramuntana, in divine natural surroundings. Lluc is a great attraction for everyone, you can discover the ethnological museum, enjoy a concert by the famous child choir, visit the botanical gardens and see the holy Madonna.
La Granja

A visit to the ethnological museum of La Granja in the mountain village of Esporles takes you on an interesting journey back in time to discover how life in mallorca was for the wealthy landowners and their servants. La Granja is a museum suitable for all ages, there is plenty to see and do here for young and adults.
Sa Dragonera

Sa Dragonera is an island and protected nature reserve just off the coast of Sant Elm, Andratx. Sa Dragonera is home to indigenious lizards that are very human-friendly, and has become a trademark of Mallorca. About on the beautiful island, you can walk along multiple trails to some of the most amazing vantage points and find ancient watchtowers from the time of pirates.
Almudaina Palace

The royal Almudaina Palace is closely linked to multiple epochs in the history of Mallorca. The ancient palace was built as the seat for the Moorish governor back in the 10th century, and was the first building in the city of Palma as we know it today. Inside you will discover an impressive collection of ancient artifacts and artworks, along with the authentic surroundings of the palace that is now used by the royalties of Spain when visiting the island.