Austria
With a series of video portraits, TV journalist Sibylle Tiessen takes us on a captivating journey into a world full of exciting projects, cultural diversity and authentic stories on Mallorca. Supported by TUI, the TUI Care Foundation and Majorca Daily Bulletin, viewers learn more about the island from a whole new perspective, from inspiring stories of locals to social, artistic, ecological, scientific and political aspects.
Episode 16: The Alfabia Gardens of Mallorca
The palm trees rustle in the wind, the sound of water can be heard here and there. Guests stroll calmly through the Alfabia Gardens estate. There is much to explore: Flora, fauna, architecture, historical elements, but also the special atmosphere.
"This estate has been in private Mallorcan hands since the conquest by King Jaime I in 1229," says Cristina Zaforteza, managing director and co-owner of the estate. The king from Aragon took over from the Arabs, who had ruled for around 300 years. The Jardines de Alfabia, a combination of country house, park and garden, has only been open to tourists since the 1960s. Before that, it was always used as the owners' summer residence.
"My family was the fourth generation to take over the property. Alfabia cannot be bought, it can only be acquired through succession, she explains. "It has been important to all the owners to maintain the special character of the estate. That's why nothing has changed in 150 years." Although every era has left its mark in the form of a few stylistic elements in the house and garden, the essence and authenticity of the estate has never been lost.
"In the past, there was only agriculture on the Balearic Islands from which people lived. The inhabitants were never rich, there was no industry." It was only later that the focus shifted to tourism and agriculture was no longer worthwhile. "So much has changed in Mallorca since then. But in the Jardines de Alfabia, the whole essence of Mallorca is still preserved and can be experienced with all the senses."
