Selva is a distinctive mountain village in the north of Mallorca, sheltered at the foot of the Serra de Tramuntana. When choosing a place to stay, the village combines its mountain setting with architectural and everyday points of interest: the Gothic church of Sant Llorenç, the washhouses that form part of the hydraulic complex of the Camarata spring, and the weekly market. If you are considering Selva, these different attractions can help you match the character of the village to your interests in architecture, water systems or market life.

The Church of Sant Llorenç and its stone staircase

The Gothic church of Sant Llorenç on Plaça Major is one of Selva’s main sights. Its monumental stone staircase has 42 steps. This clearly identified architectural detail is associated with one of the mountain village’s central cultural sites. If you are interested in church architecture, the church offers a specific focal point; the staircase also gives the building a distinctive architectural feature.

Crosses and neighbourhoods

The Baroque cross of Valella, the Creu de Valella, is classified as an Asset of Cultural Interest (Bien de Interés Cultural). Selva’s monumental crosses are usually made of stone and stood at the entrances to the neighbourhoods that today make up the village of Selva. The architectural points of interest therefore range from a specifically named cross to the entrances of the neighbourhoods. This connection between individual structures and the layout of the village offers insight into Selva’s cultural heritage.

Washhouses and water channel

Selva’s washhouses are part of the hydraulic complex of the Camarata spring. A water channel about 130 metres long supplies them; its course runs partly underground and partly above ground. The spring, channel and washhouses can be viewed as a connected system. Those interested in built infrastructure will find a different perspective here than at the church: the focus is on the connection between the water source, channel and washhouses.

Weekly market in Plaça Major

Selva’s weekly market takes place every Wednesday from 08:00 to 13:00 in Plaça Major. The regular time is a practical reference for planning your day; check the hours again before travelling. The church and market share Plaça Major, so the square can be included in your plans from two different perspectives: as the site of an important attraction and as the setting for the weekly market.

Mallorca: the wider landscape setting

In the wider context of Mallorca, the Serra de Tramuntana is a distinct regional landmark. It is the largest protected natural area in the Balearic Islands and a UNESCO World Heritage mountain landscape. Its landscape features include cliffs descending to the sea, green valleys and clear mountain streams. Agricultural terraces, interconnected waterworks including watermills, dry-stone structures and farmsteads shape its cultural landscape. The GR-221, also known as the Ruta de la Pedra en Sec, crosses the Serra de Tramuntana. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between scales: the church, washhouses and market are specific attractions in Selva; the mountain landscape and GR-221 broaden the view to Mallorca as a whole.

Discover more destinations

Binimar, Caimari, Moscari, Binibona, Llucmajor, Marratxinet, Jornets, Sant Llorenç Des Cardassar

For the main travel overview: Mallorca.