Establiments: Gardens and Local History

Two historic highlights bring Establiments to life as a destination: the gardens of Son Berga with their manor house, and the history of Establiments Vell (es Rutló). Here, the focus is on the design of a garden estate; there, on the founding of a settlement in the 16th century. Together, these themes offer different ways to explore local history—from a carefully designed garden to the paths leading out from a small square.

Gardens and Manor House at Son Berga Nou

The gardens of Son Berga Nou are located on the Son Berga Nou estate in Establiments. The estate is home to a rural manor house that was newly built specifically in the second half of the 18th century. This gives the place a specific historical date: the house and gardens can be explored as part of the history of rural architecture and landscape design. Visitors who enjoy learning more about architecture and historic landscape design while planning their trip will find a special focus here.

The layout of the gardens is also noteworthy. The garden design includes an extensive landscape garden to the northwest and several areas used for agriculture to the northeast. The different sections give the estate a clear structure: on one side is the landscape garden, and on the other, the agricultural character of the land. This means the place can be understood not only through a single building, but also through the different parts of the garden.

A Garden Design with a Clear Focal Point

In the design of the gardens at Son Berga, the house plays a central role thanks to its elevated position. All the laid-out paths lead towards this focal point. The paths are therefore not simply seen as separate lines, but as part of a design oriented towards the house. For culturally minded travellers, this offers an engaging way to appreciate the estate: the house, its location and the paths together form the core of the design.

In the 18th century, the gardens of Son Berga introduced the Italian garden style to Mallorca. This historical connection gives the gardens significance beyond the estate itself, as part of the island’s garden history. Together with the central focal point and the paths leading towards the house, this offers a tangible subject for exploring historic design. The combination of garden style and spatial layout sets this theme apart from a trip focused primarily on settlement history or destinations reached by path.

Es Rutló and Choosing a Path

Establiments Vell (es Rutló) came into being in the 16th century through the occupation of the Son Gual de Pocafarina estate. This history gives the place name a historical context and complements the garden and architectural history of Son Berga with a different chapter. Paths lead from es Rutló’s small square to the cemetery or to Sarrià. These two named destinations make the square a clear starting point for choosing a path, without requiring a longer route to be described.

The two highlights appeal to different interests: Son Berga is associated with the manor house, garden design and the introduction of the Italian garden style to Mallorca; es Rutló offers a glimpse into the origins of a settlement and a choice of paths from its small square.

Discover more destinations: Son Sardina, Cala Major, Son Gual, Es Pil Larí, S'aranjassa, Son Ferriol, Can Pastilla, Son Vida.

Return to the main travel overview: Palma De Mallorca.