As we arrive at Son Amar, this gracious 16th century Mallorquin manor house, set in the foothills of the majestic Sierra de Tramuntana mountains, we are greeted by a scene that begs for a photograph to keep as one of our lasting memories of this exquisite island.
We make our way up the elegant drive, lined by lemon and orange trees, and we are met by the guard of the manor mounted on his magnificent horse, leading the way to the famous courtyard.
The Mallorquin courtyard is as Mediterranean as the siesta and olive oil! These singular architectural spaces, hold an aesthetic beauty and unique individuality that cannot be found elsewhere. Gentle folk by nature, the Mallorquines showed their hospitality to travellers and visitors here, the workers from the fields received their pay and here was the heart of the family home.This Mallorquin courtyard, with its grand sweeping staircase and its charming chapel, offered water and shade in the summer, protection against the rain in the winter and served as a place for games, gossiping and flirting, as well as a market place for the sale of goods. No change from today then!