Located in the Raiguer district, in a long corridor between the Serra de Tramuntana mountains and the plains of Es Pla, the municipality of Alaró lies on an ancient Arab farmstead called Oloron. Alaró Castle became one of the main centres of Muslim resistance during the Catalan invasion initiated by Jaime I in 1229. During the island´s occupation by Alfonso the Liberal in 1285, the castle was once again the last refuge of resistance, in this case by men loyal to Jaime II.
At present, the remains of the castle and the hermitage of the Mare de Déu del Refugi, located on the summit of Mount Alaró, are the municipality´s most important heritage, along with the farmsteads of Es Verger and Solleric.
Among its natural attractions are Mount Alaró, measuring 825 metres, and Mount S´Alcadena, 813 metres, which preside over the municipality´s landscape. Farmlands, holm oak groves and pine forests occupy most of its 3000-hectare territory, officially declared a nature area of special interest.
The village of Alaró lies in a small valley, divided by the torrent of Na Marranxa. To the north of the riverbed lies the old village, known as d´Amunt, and to the south is the area called d´Avall. Agriculture, cattle breeding and footwear manufacturing have been the municipality´s main economic activities throughout its history. The island´s first electrical plant was inaugurated in Alaró in August 1901
The real Mallorca
I have been to Alaro many time with friends who live down the road in Consell. It is very pleasant, peaceful and traditional. There is a town square with tables, chairs and umbrellas. There is an upmarket hotel, the Can Xim, a restaurant called traffic and a few bars. It is the perfect place to sit and watch people go by. The bar next to Can Xim does the best baguettes and chips you can imagine. Cyclists particularly love the place. I can guarantee no visitor will be disappointed on paying a visit to Alaro.
ALARO
I visited this beautiful town recently, there was a lovely statue in the town square of a lady and a girl, I have been unable to get any information about its origin, can anyone help?
Statue in the town square of a lady and a girl
This statue is a work of the local artist, Llorenç Rosselló (1867 – 1901). It was created in 1899, and is denominated “Retorn al bon camí”, which would mean Going back on the right track.