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Ancient panelling found at Alaro Castle

featured in News & reviews Author Melissa Chandler, Mallorca & Palma Correspondent Updated

Specialists from the Diocese Restoration Department in Palma have discovered ancient panelling containing what are thought to be images of the legendary knight defenders of Alaró Castle from the 13th century.

The restorers were there to transfer paintings from the Mare de Deu del Refugi altar piece for an exhibition. Whilst they were doing this they found two hidden polychrome panels containing the images of the knights of King Jaume II - Guillem Cabrit and Guillem Bassa. The knights died defending the castle against the marauding troops of Alfonso the Liberal, King of Aragon, in 1285.

It is thought that the panels could be the original altar pieces, dated from 1622. The panels, which are in a very poor state, were shown to  history of art professor, Merce Gambus from the Balearic University. She wasn’t willing to say too much about their history at this stage as it will be difficult to restore and asses them.

The castle at Alaro is located in the Tramuntana mountains above the village of Alaro. Two breathtaking mountains that are almost the opposite of each other overlook the village, and the castle is situated on one of these. The Alaró mountain has beautiful views over Mallorca as far as the Palma & Alcúdia Bays, and the Tramuntana mountain range. There are hiking paths from both Alaro and Orient, which will take you about two hours. You can also drive up a very long and windy road/dirt track to get to the top. You can drive most of the way up, until you reach a large carpark and a very famous lamb restaurant, Es Verger. If you want a taste of lamb cooked to perfection in the Spanish style and you can get there in time for lunch it’s well worth the visit.

You can read more about the History of Mallorca, and about Alaro Castle.