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Island Heritage Committee approves the dry stone technique as cultural heritage
Dry stone construction technique, has for centuries dominated large areas of the Balearic islands, especially in the Tramuntana mountain range. This Tuesday, the Island Heritage Committee approved the dry stone technique as an official asset of cultural heritage of the Balearic islands, just like most of the Tramuntana.
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A crucial step in preserving the Balearic heritage
The dry stone construction method and technique (described below), was officially declared cultural interest (BIC), a suggestion made by the Department of Environment of Consell de Mallorca.
This declaration,is a crucial initiative to present the dry stone technique as a valid candidate for the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural heritage of Humanity.
This initiative, which is in high focus by the Consell de Mallorca, is also supported by other regions such as Galícia,, Asturias, Catalonia, Extremadura, Aragon, the Canary Islands, Valencia, Andalusia and Castilla, that are all actively participating.
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Dry stone construction technique
The dry stone technique, is an ancient construction method based on building with only stones and does not apply any agglutinate.
The dry stone construction technique, is a particular skill set that requires certain know-how and tools to understand and work with the stones and know the characteristics of the stones, in order to arrange sustainable heaps.
The technique is orally passed from generation to generation, which makes it vulnerable to disappearing. Many points of interest in the Tramuntana, are built with the dry stone technique such as walls, paths, fountains, ditches, wells etc.
These years, Mallorca and the Balearic Islands sees an increasing interest from foreign property buyers, who wants to either settle or buy a holiday home on the scenic island of Mallorca. However, many of the old houses being sold in the Tramuntana are being torn down in order to make room for whole new constructions. This often times includes tearing down these beautiful and charasteristic dry stone walls.
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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.