The Island Council has initiated a procedure that could transfer the ruins of Castell d'Alaró into public hands. For locals this means hope — and skepticism.
The Island Council tightens the reins
At the foot of the Puig de Alaró people whisper: something is happening now. The Island Council has formally launched a procedure that could make the expropriation of a plot around the castle ruins possible. The backdrop is a law on strategic projects passed in the summer — a legal tool that allows authorities to act faster than before.
What's behind it?
In short: with the new status the administration could classify the site as a public place with archaeological protection and thus organise restorations and access itself. That would be practical because the Castell has been subject to a patchwork of ownership for decades: walls and ruins owned by the state, land belonging to a local family, chapel and shelter looked after by the municipality.
According to municipal sources the family involved demanded a high sum; negotiations with the state have so far yielded much less. This financial gap, personal conflicts and a few marked lines on the ground have caused disputes for years — and led to court cases that drag on forever.
Between heritage conservation and tourism
If the procedure works, Castell d'Alaró could finally receive a planned rescue: repaired walls, secured paths and an accessible area for visitors. For many locals that sounds reasonable — but not everyone is happy. Some fear the site will be tailored too much to visitor numbers, others welcome the hope that the ruins will stop falling further into ruin.
The regional planning minister recently visited the site and said, in essence, that they want the castle to belong to everyone. Whether that is enough to weigh small family rights against the public interest will continue to occupy the courts and the municipality.
A place with character — and history
Anyone who knows the sweaty climb of the GR-221 knows: up there awaits not only history, but views, goats and the scent of rosemary. The small chapel Mare de Déu del Refugi still draws people; 150 metres lower Es Verger serves its famous roast lamb — a ritual after the ascent.
In the end the question remains: who owns the cultural heritage of an island like ours? The proposed expropriation could be a pragmatic end to the conflict — or the start of new confrontations. Until it becomes clear, hikers will continue to arrive, sweat, take photos and debate up there between ruins and monastery wall. And on the descent you can already smell the bread from Es Verger's oven — history still tastes best there.
Similar News

Severe Weather in Mallorca: Ongoing Delays at Palma Airport Cause Frustration
Due to heavy rain and thunderstorms, there are still significant delays at Palma Airport. Travelers from Germany should ...

Northern Lights over Mallorca: When and Where You Can See the Aurora Borealis
Between October 20 and 29, the Northern Lights could be visible over Mallorca. Who wouldn’t want to go to Scandinavia? A...

Costitx: Flowers, Stones, and a Look at the Starry Sky
Small village, big personality: Costitx blends blooming streets, ancient excavations, and an observatory - a day-trip ti...

Die Zeit auf Mallorca: Warum die Uhren hier anders ticken
Auf Mallorca läuft die Uhr offiziell anders als die Sonne — ein Erbe aus den 1940er-Jahren, das bis heute unseren Alltag...

Orange Weather Warning for Mallorca: Heavy Rain and Thunderstorms Set the Week
Aemet warns: Monday and Tuesday on Mallorca are under orange alert. Heavy rain, floods, and traffic disruptions are poss...