BUNYOLA
RAIXA, former stately home in Bunyola and jewel of rural Majorcan architecture was officially opened to the public yesterday. The property can be visited free of charge every weekend until the end of the year from 10am to 2pm.
The occasion was attended by - amongst others - Ana Leiva, Central Government Environment Ministry director, and Francina Armengol, President of the Council of Majorca.
Originally of Islamic origin but later becoming the residence of Cardinal Despuig, the property was declared a cultural heritage site in 1993 because of its high historical, architectural and artistic value. A statement issued by Spain's Environment Ministry said that the restoration of the buildings and gardens had been jointly undertaken by both central and regional governments.
However, said the statement, work remains ongoing at the estate with a second stage of reform having begun in 2003 which aims to convert Raixa into an environmental education centre. When complete, the installations will also provide a backdrop to local rural history, showing visitors how people in the Majorcan countryside lived and worked in a bygone era. Reform includes returning the gardens and surrounding agricultural buildings to their former glory.
But it is not just the house and grounds which go to make up the preserved country estate which covers a total of 520'000 square metres. Whilst 4'500 of these are accounted for by the historic buildings, the remainder consists of gardens, recreation areas and woodland.
No comments
To be able to write a comment, you have to be registered and logged in
Currently there are no comments.