Selva

Selva - Landscape:

Selva is a rural municipality in the northern part of Mallorca, which extends over the southern slopes of the Serra de Tramuntana and the main plain of the island. It has contrasting landscapes between the valley and the mountain areas. On one side, a calcareous mountain, heavy and massive, with natural forests, which until recently were exploited by the charcoal workers; on the other side, a low area consisting of land divided between numerous small properties.

These contrasts between valleys and mountains has given rise to a variety of agriculture in Selva, including irrigated and non-irrigated crops. Although the non-irrigated plots are more numerous than the irrigated ones, almonds, olives, cereals, carobs and figs are the most important crops cultivated here.

Selva - Nature:

Caimari is small hamlet in the municipality of Selva. There is a vantage point of the old road to Lluc in the village. It is has an open air museum with a collection of traditional rural buildings. The Parc Etnologic de Caimari, was opened in 2002 to co-incide with the celebration of the fifth edition of the Olive fair.

In this area of 3,000 square metres, near the entrance to the village, there is an exhibition of a charcoal burner's hut, an oven, a charcoal burning site known as a sitja, a lime kiln, a blackberry hedge enclosure, a 'coll de tords' (special bird trap), a stone trap, and 'tafones' (oil presses) of Oli Caimari.

Recently some seventy autochthonous species have been planted with the aim of creating a botanical garden inside the park.

Selva - History:

The farmstead of Xilvar was the name under which Selva was known during the Arab occupation and the surrounding area was known as Juz d'Inkan. After the Catalan conquest Selva was given to Pere Nonis and Pere Lay. The local population of Selva are known as Selvatgins (pronounced Selva-cheens).

There is documented evidence that a small church dedicated to Sant Llorenzo (Sancti Laurenti de Silver) existed here in 1248. In 1285 the inhabitants of Selva met in the church and elected 20 representatives from the village to pay homage to Alfonso III, who had taken the throne of Aragon and Mallorca from Jaume II.

However, once Jaume II was re-established as king, around the year 1300, he gave Selva the status of town, together with Campanet and Sa Pobla. Also towards the beginning of the 14th century, work on the new church began, although the elegant facade of the older church can still be seen. This second church was extended around 1600. The apse was lengthened, and the majestic steps in front of the facade were built. In 1855, a terrible fire burnt down the main reredos, after which the church was modified to look as it stands today.

Due to its close proximity to Inca, Selva took part in the Rebellion of the People in the 15th century, and in the War of 1521. During the 17th century, Selva suffered from bandits and sadly too, from plagues.

Selva - Our holiday accommodation and service:

Travel with secretdestinations.com holidays and enjoy privileged sophisticated holiday destinations in Mallorca/Majorca, including Selva. Privately owned villas, apartments and villas with pools, in beautiful coastal and rural locations, hand-picked for an authentic taste of unspoiled Mallorca.

Additionally, the Balearic Islands are ideal for a spot of winter sun. So if you're looking for an activity holiday walking, cycling and trekking; exploring Mallorca's fascinating villages, towns such as Valldemossa, Palma de Mallorca; fancy a spot of sailing, SCUBA diving, wind surfing, swimming sunbathing or relaxing on great beaches; or you just want to simply escape the tourist masses with a private luxury villa, call our holiday team today. We can also assist you with Balearics flights to Mallorca, ferry travel and island car hire.