Towards the end of the 16th century, the Castell de Capdepera was used as a fortified refuge and sanctuary for the region’s population, when there was a serious threat of attacks by Saracen invaders. Initially some 50 houses were built within the precinct of the fortress but, under the peril of pirate attacks this number was soon increased to a total of 150 dwellings, allowing the entire community to live within the walled boundaries.

Not much is left of those buildings but, one can find the remnants of a so-called Casa de la Senyora, a small abode which does not strike one as having had much significance. However, on one of the walls of this little ruin, a tiny fragment of a wall painting of a female figure has recently been uncovered and preserved. No-one seems to know much about this depiction or its momentousness but, nevertheless, it is an image that gives me immense pleasure every time I look at it.

The Capdepera castle was abandoned in 1854 when the military left the stronghold for good. If you want to visit, the site can be visited from March to October daily from 09h00 to 20h00 and the rest of the year from 09h00 to 17h00. Admission is levied at a modest charge of 2 €. For more information, telephone 971.818.746.

The photo was taken in Capdepera, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: May 16th, 2010. The time was 12:58:15.