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Mallorca has always attracted writers, poets, musicians and artists of all kinds. There are many who have written or composed their most famous work on the island, or simply spent longer periods of time here to rest or be inspired by its natural beauty. Frédéric Chopin is one of them. His footsteps will take you straight to Valldemossa, one of Spain’s most famous villages and without a doubt a place you simply have to visit if you spend time on Mallorca.
Table of contents
- Where did Chopin live on Mallorca?
- Chopin’s legacy on Mallorca
- A visit to the Valldemossa Charterhouse
- A route through Valldemossa village
- Tailor-made experiences
Where did Chopin live on Mallorca?
There are actually two answers to this question, because during his first days on the island Chopin stayed with his wife, author George Sand and her children in a guesthouse on the outskirts of Palma. But they soon moved to a place the composer was fascinated by: Valldemossa Charterhouse, in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.
Enthralled by the beauty of the landscape where palm trees were mixed with pines, fields, mountains and small stone houses adorned with flowers, Chopin lived in one of the cells that the monks provided in those days. The pianist was ill, however, and the sparse and humid accommodation further deteriorated his health. They only stayed less than three months on the island.
Chopin's legacy on Mallorca
Even if the pianist left few belongings behind, his stay on Mallorca did create an enduring legacy: the memory of those living in the village, his fame and the works he composed between the walls of his cell in the Charterhouse.
This is where he finished his magnificent series of 24 Preludes, the 'Raindrop' Prelude among the most famous pieces that he created on the island. He also found time to compose a polonaise and a mazurka, and to finish the iconic Ballade No. 2.
A visit to the Valldemossa Charterhouse
The Valldemossa Charterhouse (Reial Cartoixa de Valldemossa) is one of the most spectacular sights on Mallorca: a heritage gem that was constructed on top of the palace of King Sancho, retaining its full charm to this day. Its silhouette majestically rises up on top of terraced slopes abounding with crops and fruits ascending the hills.
A visit to the Valldemossa Charterhouse lets you see every part of this Carthusian monastery complex: the neoclassical church, the spectacular gardens – where you can take the prettiest selfies – the cloister and the cells, as well as the legacy of the monks who lived there for many years.
A route through Valldemossa village
Valldemossa is a village teeming with life and charm that goes beyond even Chopin himself and the beautiful Charterhouse. Its narrow streets lined with small stone houses, decorated with colourful flowerpots filled with flowers and scents make this village shine with its own very special light nestled in among the Serra de Tramuntana mountains.
Apart from taking that must-have photo between geraniums and palm trees, make sure you amble along the main roads without hurry, exploring all kinds of shops offering ceramics, typical Mediterranean products, pretty handicraft and souvenirs, Mediterranean-style clothes, and more.
Another thing not to be missed is the chance to enjoy one of their famous 'cocas de patata', or potato rolls: a curious sweet often accompanied by almond ice-cream, café con leche, hot chocolate or a Laccao (a kind of chocolate milk much appreciated by the locals).
Tailor-made experiences
Whether you travel to Mallorca as a couple, visit with your entire family, or are contemplating an activity-based holiday in Valldemossa, at Zafiro Hotels we make it very easy for you.
Find out more about our plans and experiences for athletes, family holidays or relax and wellness getaways and choose yours with our new Relax & Care program where we offer cancellation free of charge, medical insurance and everything you need to enjoy your stay here without having to worry.
Valldemossa is only half an hour by car from our hotels Zafiro Palace Palmanova and Zafiro Palmanova, and one hour from our Zafiro Palace Andratx.