Valldemossa Charterhouse
Christian·Spain·Museum and cultural site·14th century
Valldemossa Charterhouse, originally a royal palace for King Sancho of Majorca, was transformed into a Carthusian monastery in the 15th century. It served as a significant religious and artistic center, housing notable figures like Saint Catherine of Palma and, centuries later, Frédéric Chopin and George Sand. Today, parts of the complex function as a museum, preserving the legacy of its monastic past.
Key Facts
- ›Founded as a royal palace by King James II of Majorca for his son Sancho.
- ›Transformed into a Royal Charterhouse for Carthusian monks in 1399.
- ›Saint Catherine of Palma, a patron saint of Mallorca, was born here in 1533.
- ›The current church construction began in 1751, replacing an earlier one from 1446.
- ›The monastery was secularized and its property sold in 1835.
- ›Composers FréDéric Chopin and writer George Sand resided here during the winter of 1838-1839.
Neoclassical, Gothic
Cloister, Old Pharmacy, Garden, Prioral Cell Rooms, Chopin Cell Museum
Cartoixa De Valldemossa, Cartuja De Valldemosa, Carthusian Monastery of Valldemossa
King Sancho of Majorca, King James Ii of Majorca, Martin of Aragon, Saint Catherine of Palma, Joaquim Juncosa, FréDéRic Chopin, George Sand
Royal Residence For King Sancho of Majorca., Transferred To Carthusian Monks In 1399., Birth of Saint Catherine of Palma In 1533., Construction of the New Church Began In 1751., Secularization and Sale of Property In 1835., Residence of Chopin and Sand In 1838-1839.
About Valldemossa Charterhouse
The Valldemossa Charterhouse, known in Catalan as Cartoixa de Valldemossa and in Spanish as Cartuja de Valldemosa, is a historic palace and former monastery located in Valldemossa, Mallorca. Its origins trace back to the late 13th century when King James II of Majorca commissioned a palace for his son, Sancho, known as the 'Palace of the King Sancho.' This royal residence marked the initial construction on the exceptional site within the Sierra de Tramuntana.
Transition to a Carthusian Monastery
In 1399, Martin of Aragon yielded the royal possessions in Valldemossa to the Carthusian monks, initiating its transformation into a Royal Charterhouse. This period saw the establishment of a significant monastic community. Among the notable figures associated with the monastery is Saint Catherine of Palma, one of Mallorca's patron saints, who was born at the Charterhouse in 1533. The monastery's religious life continued for centuries, with the construction of its neoclassical church beginning in 1751, replacing an earlier structure from 1446. The Carthusian painter Joaquim Juncosa contributed significant works to the church.
Secularization and Cultural Legacy
In 1835, the Carthusian community was compelled to vacate the monastery due to ecclesiastical confiscations. The property subsequently entered private ownership, and individual cells became available for rent. A particularly famous episode in its later history was the sojourn of composer Frédéric Chopin and writer George Sand, along with her family, during the winter of 1838–1839. During their stay, Chopin completed his Preludes Op. 28 and composed other significant musical pieces. George Sand later documented their experience in her book 'A Winter in Majorca.' Today, parts of the Valldemossa Charterhouse operate as a museum, preserving the monastic cells, the old pharmacy, and the artistic legacy of the Carthusians, including the renowned 'Chopin cell' which houses memorabilia from his time there.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was Valldemossa Charterhouse before it was a monastery?
Before becoming a monastery, the site was a royal palace built for King Sancho of Majorca by his father, King James II of Majorca. It was known as the 'Palace of the King Sancho.'
When did the Carthusian monks occupy Valldemossa Charterhouse?
The Carthusian monks were granted the royal possessions of Valldemossa in 1399 and inhabited the Charterhouse until 1835, when they were forced to leave due to ecclesiastical confiscations.
Who were some notable residents of Valldemossa Charterhouse after the monks left?
After the expulsion of the monks in 1835, the individual cells were available for rent. The composer Frédéric Chopin and the writer George Sand famously occupied one of these cells during the winter of 1838–1839.
What is preserved at Valldemossa Charterhouse today?
Today, the complex preserves the historical and artistic legacy of the Carthusians, showcasing how the monks lived. The 'Chopin cell' has been converted into a museum featuring Chopin's piano, documents, paintings, and memorabilia.
What artistic works are associated with Valldemossa Charterhouse?
The neoclassical church was decorated by notable artists. The Carthusian painter Joaquim Juncosa created twelve oil paintings on the Mysteries of the Rosary for the church, which are among his few surviving works.
Related Monasteries
El Paular Charterhouse
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Ara Christi Charterhouse
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Descalzas Reales
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