Castell d'Alaró
9
Tales and legends
For centuries, Alaró Castle has captured the popular imagination. This place has become filled with folk tales, legends and stories blending mystery, history and fantasy.
One of the best-known stories is that of the Cave of Treasure. According to tradition, two men from Alaró discovered a magical cave at the summit of the mountain filled with gold coins. But there was one problem: every time someone tried to take one of the coins, the cave mysteriously closed itself.
Another tale recalls the story of Fonoll, a man who wagered that he could remain for an hour standing on a branchless wild olive tree hanging over the cliffs of Orengar. Just as the agreed time was about to end, the man who was about to lose the bet pushed him, and he fell to the foot of the mountain.
Among the most popular legends is that of the Witches of Alcadena. It is said that on certain nights the witches danced upon a magical thread stretching between the mountains of Alaró and Alcadena, as though floating above the void.
Other tales are more directly connected to history and the Christian conquest of Mallorca in 1229. One example is the Hoofprint of King James. Many people claim that near the Castle’s first gate, the imprint left by the king’s horse can still be seen after an impossible leap from Santa Maria to the summit of Alaró.
Another legend tells how the last Muslim defenders attempted to escape from the Castle by throwing themselves down the cliffs with their heads protected inside large clay jars to soften the fall. Unsurprisingly, the outcome was tragic. Although humorous in tone, this story may be linked to the many remains of Andalusi pottery found at the foot of the mountain.
One of the best-known stories is that of the Cave of Treasure. According to tradition, two men from Alaró discovered a magical cave at the summit of the mountain filled with gold coins. But there was one problem: every time someone tried to take one of the coins, the cave mysteriously closed itself.
Another tale recalls the story of Fonoll, a man who wagered that he could remain for an hour standing on a branchless wild olive tree hanging over the cliffs of Orengar. Just as the agreed time was about to end, the man who was about to lose the bet pushed him, and he fell to the foot of the mountain.
Among the most popular legends is that of the Witches of Alcadena. It is said that on certain nights the witches danced upon a magical thread stretching between the mountains of Alaró and Alcadena, as though floating above the void.
Other tales are more directly connected to history and the Christian conquest of Mallorca in 1229. One example is the Hoofprint of King James. Many people claim that near the Castle’s first gate, the imprint left by the king’s horse can still be seen after an impossible leap from Santa Maria to the summit of Alaró.
Another legend tells how the last Muslim defenders attempted to escape from the Castle by throwing themselves down the cliffs with their heads protected inside large clay jars to soften the fall. Unsurprisingly, the outcome was tragic. Although humorous in tone, this story may be linked to the many remains of Andalusi pottery found at the foot of the mountain.
War episodes
8
Civil and religious buildings