Valldemossa

Valldemosa (in Catalan and officially Valldemossa) is a town located in the western part of the island.

It is believed that the origin of the town was one a farmhouse founded in the valley by an Arab nobleman named Mussa or Muça and over the years ValldeMussa would become the current name of the town.

Its steep and narrow streets offer a special charm. The birthplace of Santa Catalina Tomás is preserved in the town. Also noteworthy is the church from the 13th century, renovated in the 18th century.

Its main attraction is the Cartuja de Valldemosa and the memory of the 1838-1839 winter stay by the romantic couple of Chopin and George Sand. Chopin composed his Preludes Op. 28 there and Sand wrote A Winter in Mallorca.

In addition to the illustrious guests who were Chopin and George Sand, characters of the stature of Rubén Darío, Jorge Luis Borges, Jovellanos, Santiago Rusiñol and many others spent seasons in the Cartuja. On the 20th century, the painter Josep Coll i Bardolet settled in the town.

Today renowned painters reside in Valldemosa.

3 miles from this town is Miramar, former residence of Archduke Luis Salvador of Austria. Miramar is famous because Nicolás Calafat installed the first printing press of the island there. Ramon Llull also created the first Arab language school.

Other places of interest are the Hermitage and the Port