Puigpunyent, Mallorca

History

The Middle Ages (IV - XV)

During the Muslim domination, the territory had a great hydraulic legacy. The main part of the modern ‘posesiones’ or manor estates of the region were farmhouses that, after the conquest of the year 1229 fell into the hands of the Catalonians. Thus, in the municipality we have quite significant examples such as Albussani (at present Son Cortei), Arratxa, Tabúger (Son Roca) and Benijafar (Son Balaguer del Rincón).

Demographically speaking, during the first half of the XIV century there was a strong decrease in the population, which decreased to about 145 inhabitants. One of the causes for this reduction was the arrival of the black plague of the year 1348. At the end of the XIV century, Puigpunyent was amongst the least populated villages of Mallorca. In September of the year 1396 the village of Galilea was born due to the transfer of 100 ‘cuarteradas’ by the owners of the farmhouses Son Cortei and Son Martí to create small establishments in the place nowadays known as Sa Moleta. Inhabitants settled there who were from Andratx, Calvià and from Puigpunyent. The beginning of the XV century was marked by the terrible occurrence of the overflowing of Sa Riera in the year 1403, which caused the death of five thousand people and the destruction of buildings and part of the city wall.

Geography

The municipality of Puigpunyent includes within its region the picturesque villages of Galilea and Son Serralta.

Outstanding Features

Of the Talayotic Age, the estate of Son Puig, the house of the ‘Gigante’ (giant) and the tomb of Puig de Sa Moneda stand out. The church of the ‘Asunción de la Virgen’ (a temple from the XVII century) and the neo-classical church of Galilea are the main attractions of its architectural patrimony. The terraces of the region which most stand out are those that surround the manors of Son Fortesa and Son Net, as well as those of Sa Coma. Of its forest patrimony the evergreen oak tree of Moli Nou stands out, within the estate of Son Net, it is considered to be one of the most singular trees in Mallorca and to be one of the oldest of the territory because of its large size. The inhabitants in the area assure that it has a mystic value, which makes it a place to visit and a meeting and gathering place.

Puigpunyent, due to its proximity to Palma and its beautiful landscapes, it is a ‘must’ visit when visiting the island of Mallorca. It has luxury hotels (Son Net and Es Ratxo) and a lovely rural hotel (Son Pont), as well as restaurants and bars. As places to visit, besides the actual town, it is certainly worth mentioning the ‘Reserva del Galatzó’ and the wine cellars of Son Puig. For the mountain lovers, the climb to the peak ‘Puig del Galatzó’ is an excursion considered of low difficulty but with some spectacular views. The small and charming village of Galilea belongs to the municipality of Puigpunyent and is another ‘must’ for the visitor.

Economy

Traditionally the exploitation of the resources of the woods and agriculture of dry land were once the basis of the economy of Puigpunyent. Nowadays, nearly all the economic activities of the municipality are directly or indirectly connected to tourism.