Raixa country estate and gardens in the foothills of the Tramuntana mountains, are just a short 20 minutes drive from Palma. Originally a Moorish farmstead, the Montenegro family, who took ownership in 1660, have had the most significant impact on the history of Raixa.
The manor house was updated into a neoclassical style at the turn of the 18th century by Cardinal Despuig, the third son of Count Montenegro, and still conserves some 16th century elements such as the vaulted ceiling in the chapel and the portico of the “clastra” or courtyard.
But it is the stunning gardens that largely attract today’s visitors. A small stream ran through the estate but it was never sufficient for the immense ornamental gardens that Cardinal Despuig had in mind for the estate, so a huge reservoir was built behind the house in the 1700s.
Cardinal Despuig became Archbishop of Seville, spending much of his time in Italy where his passion for gardens began. During his travels he bought Roman antiquities and shipped them to Mallorca to be displayed in the garden.
When the Cardinal died, his nephews continued his work. The gardens were extended in front of the house which can now be enjoyed from the Italian style loggia.
Over some 200 years the Montenegro family have established a world class estate which has drawn interest from around the world.
The estate has inspired several writers, including Agatha Christie who referred to it in her novel ‘Evil under the Sun,’ the movie of which was later filmed there.
The estate was declared a Cultural Heritage Site in 1993 when it was purchased by the Consell de Mallorca and in 2009 the estate was opened to the public after extensive renovations of the house and gardens.
The gardens are enjoyed by all, including the Spanish Royal family below.
The gardens are accessed via a grand terrace and monumental neoclassical flight of steps. A large reflecting pond, a small hermitage, a bandstand, a historical pavilion and other elements have been integrated into the landscape. With the Tramuntana mountains as a backdrop, it is hard to beat.
Opening times vary according to season : 10am to 3pm from Tuesday to Saturday ( open later in summer).
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