Capdepera: Castle, Art and the sa llata Weaving Tradition
Accommodation in Capdepera
A castle, sacred art and a living weaving tradition
Capdepera is particularly notable for its history, religious art and the craft of sa llata weaving. On the grounds of Castell de Capdepera, defensive towers and walls stand alongside old cobbled streets and a chapel dating from the 14th century. There is also an art collection of more than 120 religious works and a weaving tradition that local women continue to pass on to younger generations. Anyone looking for culture and local history on vacation will find several different points of interest here.
Castell de Capdepera sits on a hill above the town. From there, the view stretches across Mallorca’s east coast; on clear days, Menorca is also visible. Construction of the complex began in the 14th century at the behest of King Jaume II of Mallorca. The surviving structures include defensive towers, walls and old cobbled streets. The grounds are also home to the 14th-century chapel of Sant Joan. The Castell is classified as a Bien de Interés Cultural, or Asset of Cultural Interest. Its architecture, historic grounds and views each give visitors a different focus for their visit.
The Museu de la Llata is housed in the Casa del Governador within the Castell grounds. A visit to the museum is included with admission to the monument.
The Col·lecció d’Art Sacre comprises more than 120 religious artworks, ranging from Romanesque to contemporary art. Its breadth makes the collection particularly interesting to travelers interested in sacred art across different artistic periods. It is presented to residents and visitors as an open cultural heritage. As well as the architectural remains of the Castell, Capdepera’s cultural profile therefore includes its own art collection.
The parish church of Sant Bartomeu also makes its own architectural statement. It was built in the second half of the 19th century. Its façade is neoclassical, and its bell tower is crowned by a dome. These features give architecture enthusiasts specific points of reference for understanding the church as a building. The chapel of Sant Joan and the parish church of Sant Bartomeu represent religious buildings from different centuries.
Casal Can Melis, also known as Centre Melis Cursach, is another part of the town’s history. It was the Melis Cursach pharmacy from 1916 to 1973. The sa llata weaving tradition is another part of the local heritage: women in Capdepera still meet to preserve this tradition and pass it on to younger generations. Historic works of art and buildings thus sit alongside a craft that continues to be handed down in the town.
Capdepera may therefore be an especially interesting choice of holiday apartment if you would like to explore the castle, local history, sacred art and traditional crafts during your vacation. These themes shape the character of the destination, without requiring you to limit your stay to a single attraction. If you are looking for a different mix of experiences, you can include other town pages in your trip planning.
More places to discover: Cala Ratjada, Canyamel, Costa De Canyamel, Font De Sa Cala, Cala Mesquida and Es Carregador. More destinations: Santanyi, Buger.
Back to the main travel overview: Mallorca.
