The silhouette of the almost symmetric mountains of Alaró
(822 m) and Alcadena (816 m), situated one opposite the other, are the
most outstanding images of the municipality of Alaró.
The Alaró Castle, located on the top of the mountain of the same
name, is an ancient fortification dating back to the Moors. The Puig d'Alaró,
that offers beautiful views over Mallorca as far as the Palma and Alcúdia
bays and the Serra de Tramuntana, also holds from the XVII century the
Mare de Déu del Refugi sanctuary and a hostelry.
To visit the mountain you have to reach the Alaró town and then
continue towards the Orient valley until you find the road leading up to
Castle, with its corresponding sign. Following this road you will reach
the Es Verger houses, where there is a restaurant and a parking area. At
this point, you can choose between starting the walk or continuing by car
until the following parking at Es Pouet. The last stretch of the route
must be done walking up the old stone path for twenty minutes, the only way
to reach the door of the impregnable castle.
The history of the Alaró Castle is connected with Guillem Cabrit
and Guillem Bassa, the stars of the legend that took place in the Alaró
castle at the end of the XIII century, who died burned after bloody fighting against the troops of King Alfons II, defending King James II of Mallorca.
The hostelry of the castle offers bedrooms, a bar and a restaurant and
it is open all year. More information and bookings: 971 18 21 12.
More information:
Castell
d'Alaró: photographic report (36 photos by MallorcaWeb)
UPDATE (05/03/2002): The Alaró Castle, and the land that includes this historic and archaeological building, belong to the familly Ordinas Pou, except the the
Mare de Déu del Refugi sanctuary and a hostelry, which are managed by the Fundació Castell d'Alaró.
Photo © BalearWeb