Pilgrimage to the castle of Alaró

In the spring of 1622, which was a very dry year, the parish priest of Alaró organized a rogative procession to the castle to obtain the much-desired rain. The plea of the people was heard, and it rained heavily; then it was decided to build the chapel there. This is the first reference we have of a pilgrimage to Puig d’Alaró, at the top of which is the castle. However, the current date (late summer) does not coincide with the old one (spring).

The climb to the castle of Alaró is a beautiful walk of an hour and three quarters during which we enjoy privileged views of the Serra de Tramuntana and the Raiguer. It is a place full of beauty and full of legends. It is the old road that linked the town with the castle. The first part currently runs on asphalt (Ma-2100 road), then on a dirt track and finally becomes a beautiful cobbled bridle path to the top. The distance is 7.4km, with a difference in altitude of 570m. Its route largely coincides with the GR-221-D branch of the Dry Stone Route, which connects Orient with the Tossals Verds refuge passing through the castle of Alaró. It is well signposted.

Mass in the oratory.

The castle of Alaró (821m) is one of the three rock castles in Mallorca, that is, one of the three oldest and most impregnable fortifications on the island (the other two are the castle of Santueri, in Felanitx, and the castle of the King, in Pollença). Within the enclosure of the fortification (now largely in ruins) there is the inn and the chapel, from 1622, inside which we can admire the image of the Virgin of the Refuge. On either side of his figure, we see represented the martyrs Cabrit and Bassa who in 1285 died defending Mallorca in the service of James II, in the assault on the fortress carried out by the troops of King Alfonso of Aragon the Liberal. There are interpretive panels that explain it.

The cave of Sant Antoni stands out, with a chapel, next to the tower of llebeig, at the end of the cliff that surrounds the hill. To go and return from the summit there is an hour and a half of bad road, overcoming a difference in altitude of about 150m. You have to be careful, as the place is dangerous.

Joys to the Virgin of the Refuge of the castle of Alaró

Anonymous letter, eighteenth century

 

At the castle they have climbed you

for by going up to it

be our lawyer,

refuge of sinners.

 

You are a royal castle

and City also walled,

were completely preserved

of original sin:

Immaculate Virgin

Defend us from sin.

 

you were a Castle Maria

when God became incarnate in You,

in this castle he shut himself up

to give us joy:

preceded the embassy,

full of your praises.

 

Castle of Alaró very strong

it is what you consecrate,

stronger you are then the key

You have of life and death:

To many you have given your life

resurrecting them.

 

It was enough for it to be watered

with the blood of Bass and Goat,

to be day and night

of the peoples fertilized:

more so now that it has been founded

this hermitage for you.

 

I melt that noble castle

our defense.

Now Alaró has it in You

safer for the people:

peace is assured

showing Jesus precious.

 

To those who have invoked you

coming to visit you;

favored the sacred Virgin,

refuge of sinners.