The Monestir de Miramar between Valldemossa and Deià was founded in 1276 by Jaume II, the first ever King of Mallorca, at the request of Ramon Llull.

Miramar was not really a monastery but a missionary college dedicated to the teaching of Arabic and other oriental languages, with a view to prepare friars to convert Moors to Christianity. Some historians claim that Miramar somehow constituted the first attempt to establish a university in Mallorca.

The Archduke Ludwig Salvatore of Austria (1847-1915) bought the old property in 1872. Today Miramar can be visited for a token admission fee. A very old Tàfona olive oil press can be admired. Two museum presentations are included in the admission fee; one is dedicated to the Arxiduc and the other one pays homage to Ramon Llull. But the best impressions by far are to be had courtesy of the awesome landscape and the stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea and Mallorca’s west coast.

Visiting hours are Tuesday to Sunday (10h00 to 18h00). Admission: 3 €.

The photo was chosen from my archive. It was taken near Valldemossa, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: March 16th, 2008. The time was 15:05:07.