Palma de Mallorca and Valdemossa, Spain - March 6
Our tour of Mallorca started in Palma with a drive past the picturesque harbor full of amazing sailboats and yachts up to the top, to see Castelle de Bellver (translated from Catalan, it means castle with beautiful view). It is one of only 3 circular castles in Europe. The castle was built out of sandstone and construction was directed by a female, which is why it only took 10 years to complete(1300-1309)!
From the castle we were treated to lovely views of the bay below at Palma de Mallorca
We continued on to the small inland town of Valldemossa. The Carthusian monastery housed devout monks for 436 years before it was home to Frederik Chopin in 1838. Chopin composed while living there during a bout with tuberculosis. Little colored tile plaques asking St Catalina to pray for them were on the dwellings throughout town. We were treated to some delicious thick hot chocolate in a nearby cafe.
We continued on to the small inland town of Valldemossa. The Carthusian monastery housed devout monks for 436 years before it was home to Frederik Chopin in 1838. Chopin composed while living there during a bout with tuberculosis. Little colored tile plaques asking St Catalina to pray for them were on the dwellings throughout town. We were treated to some delicious thick hot chocolate in a nearby cafe.
On the return drive through Palma, we passed lovely neighborhoods, shopping areas, a famous brick lighthouse, and the Basilica de Santa Maria de Mallorca.
The Mallorca Marina had more sailboats moored than we have ever seen. We had the option to go back into Palma on our own for the remainder of the day, but stayed on the ship instead. Viking provided shuttle busses into the heart of town, which was a nice touch.
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