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"SON ROIG" - This is the name given by the Majorcans
from Maria de la Salut to our mansion, nowadays protected by the
local authorities. This estate belonged to the noble family Font
i Roig from the XIV century until 1989. The Majorcan saint Julià
Font i Roig was born here on 20th February 1545, and here he spent
his childhood and youth.
A source of water,
still productive, built by the moors, is a sample of a much older
history. The round, hand-carved stones which can be found in the
area beneath the water source are reminders of even older times.
The ancient Majorcans were well-known as brave warriors in the
ages of the Roman Empire and Hannibal. They had the skill to use
the sling with very fine accuracy. The Balearides (the stone-throwers),
from Greek ballein (throwing), are considered the origin of the
current name of the islands.
A part of the history
of the island in the last 2.500 years, the thick walls of Son
Roig, rebuilt several times, stand at the foot of a long hill.
The view towards Sierra de Tramuntana is as unspoilt as the opposite
view to Levante and to the plains of the Pla de Mallorca that
once belonged to the mansion.
On an area of 18.000
m², with terraces and stonewalls, there are plenty of quiet
places: the water source, the swimming pool, the fountain, and
the shadows of the many trees scattered around.
The different buildings,
1.200 m² in total, have been carefully converted into the
small hotel "Casa Girasol" between 1999 and 2002.
The hotel's own
private chapel, the old water source, the round stones and the
whole site bring tales of old ages, and invite us to live the
present time. Almond trees, fig and olive trees, orange and lemon
trees, are witnesses of the typical Mediterranean climate. A place
of peace and quietness, a place inviting to stay.
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