Galatzó Estate (Finca Galatzó)
Mallorca’s natural, archaeological and heritage paradise. This legendary estate and its grounds is an ideal place to go on fantastic nature rambles and enjoy the peace, tranquillity and beauty of the ‘Serra de Tramuntana’ mountaineous area.
The ‘Finca Galatzó’ is a reference point for hiking in Mallorca. Access is free of charge and it offers hiking, history, adventure and other nature related activities.
It has a privileged location, with access from the pretty village of Es Capdellà and bordering the neighbouring municipalities of Puigpunyent, Estellencs and Andratx.
It forms part of the ‘Serra de Tramuntana’ mountaineous area, a natural environment that is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.
Myths and legends
Most of the myths and legends surrounding the Galatzó estate are focussed on the figure of ‘Comte Mal’ (the wicked count). Historically, the ‘Comte Mal’ was Ramón Burguès-Zaforteza Pacs-Fuster de Villalonga i Nét, second Count of Santa María de Formiguera. He was born on 15th August, 1627 and died on 26th October, 1694. During his lifetime, he had a series of disputes with the University and the residents of the town of Santa Margalida regarding the maintenance of feudal rights with respect to civil and criminal jurisdictions, as well as the direct dominion and payment of taxes on the towns and inhabitants of his territories. These actions, together with some abuse of the population, caused Ramón Burgués-Zaforteza to acquire a bad reputation among the inhabitants of his properties, a reputation that was maintained after his death in the popular memory.
One of the best known legends is that of “Comte Mal” who, once dead, continued to visit the countess. To counteract the visits, she had the village chaplain place a cross in the attic, which stopped the apparitions. It is also said that the Count rode his horse through the Galatzó estate, and that in one of these spectral raids, the horse slipped and on the façade of the houses, in the area near the chapel, you can see the imprints of the horse’s hooves as a result of this accident. The legends say that on cold November nights, when only the wind and the noise of the animals could be heard, ‘Comte Mal’ rode through the mountains of the estate.
What is there to do, there?
Hiking: 4 itineraries covering a total of 35 km, where you can observe a wide variety of fauna and vegetation.
Activities: environmental, cultural and sporting activities.
-
- Visit to the oil press room
- Guided visit to the Na Llaneres limestone oven
- Mountain risk prevention workshop
- Mycological Conference
- ‘Comte Mal’ (the wicked count) Conference
- ‘François Aragó’ Conference
Interesting facts
Estate opening hours: from 8am until 5pm.
Opening hours of the interior main building “les cases”: from Monday to Friday, from 9.30am until 2.30pm. Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays, from 10am until 5pm.
Parking: yes.
Bar: No, but there are 2 vending machines with cold drinks and coffeeSuitable for children: yes.
Heritage: natural, historical, ethnographic, archaeological and architectural heritage.
Surface area:
-
- Hectares: 1401 Ha.
- Square metres: 14.013.500 m2 (1.972,9 quarters).
Interior of the estate:
-
- Main building (with public toilet facilities).
- Oil press room.
- Old limestone ovens.
- Chapel.
Exterior of the estate:
-
- Space with tables.
- Botanical garden.
How to get there?
Location: Es Capdellà, C/ de es Capdellà a Galilea, km. 2.2 · 07196 Calvià
Directions: Go to Es Capdellà and from there take the road leading to Galilea, where you will reach the estate’s car park after 2 km. A few metres from there you will finally come to the exterior of the estate.