Montuiri

Montuiri is a clear example of the Pla´s most characteristic feature: the contrast between plain and hilly lands; it is a landscape of successive rises and depressions. And, like so many other villages, it is on the top of a small hill. Es Molinar was the original villa, and it was urbanised according to a rectangular plan called the Quadrat (Square) in the days of Jaime II. The Molinar neighbourhood, with eight windmills still standing, is the best-known, most typical image of Montuiri. Its stone towers which used wind as a source of energy, are the living testimony of a past that was ruled by and depended on the farmlands for its subsistence. Montuiri has been known for the high quality of the products grown there since the old days; cereals, almond trees and carobs being the main crops. The most outstanding possessions, or estates are Son Comelles, Son Company, Mianesa, Tagamanent and Galiana, among others. The talaiot site of Son Fornés, one of the most complete and in best condition in Mallorca, is proof that, long before our times, this area provided the necessary products for subsistence, that its qualities have made it comfortable for mankind from time immemorial. 

The Puig de San Miquel stands out among the mountains and hills in this district. It holds the double appeal of the Mare de Déu de la Bona Pau sanctuary, which used to be a hermitage and is now a Marian devotion centre, and its having been declared a Natural Area of Special Interest with animal life and vegetation which are necessary for the protection and conservation of this very valuable natural setting. It also offers the best view of the village and the area in general. Recently, a new activity related to livestock breeding has emerged in Montuiri. It is a quail farm, which distributes partridges and pheasants. The great interest in hunting has brought about the Fira de la Perdiu (Partridge Fair), whose protagonists are this sport and those who practise it. One of Montuiris outstanding features is its cultural life, maintaining local holidays and traditions, the centre of which are the Cossiers and their dances. The most important holidays are celebrated with the colours and the ceremonial rituals of the Cossiers. Of ancient origins and with the capacity of transmitting the captivating, thrilling magic of rituals, the Cossiers are Monturis main patrimony. The local band also dates a long way back; it was founded in 1882 and, in constant evolution, continues to play at the village festivities and special events.

Interesting Sites

1. Saint Bartholomew Parish Church – 16^th century

2. Crosses (Marking the village limits

Cross of Son Rafel Mas - 16^th century (at the intersection of carrer Pou del Rei and Carrer Sa Torre)

Cross of Ca Ses Monges –16^th century (Calle Pou Nou and the road to Palma)

Molinar Cross or the Three Crosses – 17^th century (Plaza de les Tres Creus)

Cross of Gegues – 18^th century (Calle Cross of Gegues)

3. Windmills

19 of the 24 accounted for windmills in Monturi are still standing.

4. Public Wells

This municipal district still has eight public wells, although one of them stands out among the rest, the Pou del Rei. Located very near to the village, this well also has washers, thus creating a very interesting site.

5. Ca ses Monges (The nuns house) 1868 (Calle Sant Bartomeu)

6. Places (Village Squares)

7. Montuiri Rectory

This in one of the most beautiful spots in the village of Montuiri. An unusual stairway, known as Es Graons (the steps) leads up to it.

8. Mare de deu de la Bona Pau Sanctuary on the Puig de Sant Miquel

In 1395 it was a hermitage; in 1523 it was an oratory dedicated to Sant Miquel. Since 1647, the figure of the Mare de Déu de la Bona Pau has been worshiped.

9. Son Fornés Talaiot Dwelling

This is one of the most complete talaiot dwellings on Mallorca, from 800 to 100 BC. It is 2.5 km from Montuiri and occupies an area of 2 hectares.

10. The Mountain of Sant Miquel

At an altitude of 247 metres, Sant Miquel was declared a Natural Area of Social Interest in 1991, it occupies 61 hectares.

11.

Fair (Partridge Fair) the first Sunday in December. An agricultural and handicraft air.

The Festa des Puig (San Miquel) (Mountain Party) is held on the Tuesday after Easter.

Sant Antoni, at the beginning of January (Sunday) is when the carriages, tractors and some animals are blessed. During the outdoor party the night before, the Town Hall organises a bonfire n the Plaza.

Easter Sunday

August 24^th, Saint Bartholomew festivity, the villages patron saint.