Possessions
hours
DIFFICULTY
Easy
DISTANCE
12’50 km
ACCUMULATED LEVEL
114 m
GEAR
Comfortable shoes and clothes.
Possessions (large estates)
The history and patrimony of Sencelle´s district is understood through its old large country estates or possessions.
The possessió, is an inheritance from the Islamic farmstead and was conceived as the center of rural life; it occupied the centre of exploitation and control of the areas of Mallorca that were outside the city of Palma, and, as such, had an important degree of independence. It was made up of a minority of Señores from a classist and strongly hierarchical social structure that controlled a copious workforce. For all these reasons, the possessió brought together a large group of farm workers, pagesia, endowed with all agricultural and livestock knowledge. Also, the set of buildings that usually make up a possessió are the product of a long historical evolution over the centuries.
1
Can Raió de Laiar
Historically, it was the capital of the llogaret of Laiar. In the 16th century it already had a high economic value of 5,000 Mallorcan pounds and was an extraordinarily good wine producer. The houses, bounded by one of the walls with the most monumental portals of the whole island, are a faithful testimony of its grandeur.
2
Can Castell de Laiar
Belonging to the “Castell” family since the 15th century, it was of less economic value in its time and of smaller dimensions. Even to this day it maintains its elegant and manorial aspect due to its renovation carried out in the last third of the 19th century.
3
Aireflor
It is one of the most emblematic possessios of the term. In 1491 it belonged to Salvador Alcornocal, who gave it over to Joan Sintes. A century later it belonged to the Ramis family, who named it Ayreflor, a lineage that has remained linked to the property until today. It is one of the most emblematic possessios of the term. This family promoted its agricultural and livestock development, for which in the 18th century was valued at 12,000 Mallorquin pounds. From the small entrance door comes to mind a lovely folklore song: “De suaquí veig Aireflor,/ ses cases i es fasser, / però no veig lo meu bé / qui té ses claus del meu cor” From here I see Aireflor, / the houses and the palm tree,/ but I cannot see my beauty,/ who has the keys to my heart.
4
Son Santjoan de Sonarrossa
The toponym Sonarrossa comes from Canarrossa, an Islamic district that Sencelles once formed part of. More than the grandeur of its houses, what stands out are the Gothic remains preserved on the main façade, especially a Gothic window and an entrance door to the old chapel. This estate historically belonged to the family lineage Santjoan, whose coat of arms crowns the magnificent doorway. Later it belonged to the Oms and the Caros family (this last family belonged to the marquises of the Romana). The estate was established at the end of the 19th century.
5
Morelló Vell
Morelló Vell is one of the oldest estates of the term since it appears documented in 1232 recorded as Morelon. In the 16th century it belonged to the Arbós family and later to the Ramis de Morelló family. At the end of the century it passed on to be the property of the noble family Villalonga-Mir, who carried out an important renovation.
6
Morelló Nou
This estate stems from a segregation of Morelló Vell in the 18th century. During the following century an important winery was built. Since then it was owned by the Mulet de Can Mayol family. From the road we can see a magnificent group of buildings, the main house, that of the caretakers and the winery.
