Valldemossa Charterhouse facts for kids
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The Valldemossa Charterhouse is a historic palace located in Valldemossa, on the island of Mallorca. It was first a royal home for King Sancho of Majorca. Later, it became a monastery for Carthusian monks. Today, it is a popular place for visitors to explore its rich past.
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History of the Charterhouse
The story of this amazing place began with King James II of Majorca. He chose this spot high in the Sierra de Tramuntana mountains, over 400 meters up, to build a palace for his son Sancho. This palace was known as the "Palace of King Sancho."
In 1399, King Martin of Aragon gave all the royal lands in Valldemossa to the Carthusian monks. These monks lived a very quiet and simple life. Saint Catherine of Palma, who is one of the Patron Saints of Mallorca, was born at this monastery in 1533. She passed away in Palma in 1574.
Building the Church
The main church building is a beautiful example of neoclassical style. Its construction started in 1751, built on top of an older church from 1446. Many talented artists and craftspeople helped decorate it. A Carthusian painter named Joaquim Juncosa created twelve oil paintings for the church. These paintings show scenes from the Mysteries of the Rosary and are some of his only artworks that still exist today.
Life at the Monastery
The Charterhouse complex includes several interesting parts. There is a cloister, which is one of the oldest sections of the buildings. It also has the old pharmacy used by the Carthusian monks, a peaceful garden, and the rooms of the Prioral Cell. These rooms include a chapel, a former library, an audience room, and a dormitory. They show how the monks lived and worked. The Carthusian monks founded this Charterhouse and lived here until 1835. At that time, the community had to leave, and the property was sold to private owners.
Famous Visitors: Chopin and Sand
After the monks left in 1835, the individual cells of the monastery became available for rent. One of these cells, which had three large rooms and a garden, was rented by the famous composer Frédéric Chopin and the writer George Sand. They stayed there with Sand's family during the winter of 1838–1839.
During their time at the Charterhouse, Chopin finished his famous Preludes Op. 28. He also composed other important pieces, like the Ballade No. 2 and the Scherzo no. 3. After they left, George Sand wrote a book about their experiences called A Winter in Majorca.
Today, the "Chopin cell" has been turned into a museum. It displays Chopin's Pleyel upright piano, along with documents, paintings, and other items from their stay.
See also
In Spanish: Cartuja de Valldemosa para niños
- List of music museums
