In the old days, Mallorcan Manor houses used to have their own chapel either within their residence or else, within their grounds. Some of these capillas are on public view, either at Raixa, Sa Granja, Els Claderers, Aubocasser or Son Real (shown here), whilst others are not accessible, such as the one in Can Alomar in Palma, or in Can Marques, ditto.

Whilst the finca of Son Real is publicly owned, thanks to Senyor Antich and his consorts, the chapel there seems to be locked up every time I visit. I once sneaked through a half-open door whilst restoration work was being carried out, but the interior was bare then and without any adornments. I imagine that this was different in the glorious past of that estate.

Son Real is worth a visit irrespective of the chapel. The Manor house has been converted into a museum (admission 5 €) whilst the estate offers three or four gentle walking routes down to the sea and on to the Necropolis of Son Real. There are also a couple of Talayotic ruins on the grounds as well as a number of smugglers’ caves.

The photo was taken near Can Picafort, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: April 18th, 2011. The time was 11:34:31.