Part of the roof of the Charterhouse of Valldemossa collapses

PalmPart of the roof of the Charterhouse of Valldemossa collapsed this Saturday. In response to the situation, the Association for the Revitalization of Ancient Centers (ARCA) has criticized the situation, calling for "effective preservation of this monumental complex for years" and stating that the neglect and lack of investment "has been a constant" and has demanded its restoration. "The roofs of the church and the Charterhouse have not been repaired; some are in the process of being repaired, while others are not," explains Concepció Bauçà, a doctor in Art History and member of ARCA. The problem with the Charterhouse goes back a long way. "Sometimes things are done, but not everything," she laments. As the association points out, this is not the first collapse that has occurred at the complex "due to insufficient conservation."

Bauçà pointed out that the institutional responsible parties are the Mallorca Council—through the Heritage Department—the Valldemossa City Council, and, especially, the Bishopric of Mallorca, given that this is a problem affecting part of the church. "They have to be vigilant, but they're not doing so as they should, and this is compounded by the slowness of the administrative processes," he complained. Along these lines, ARCA stated that it has repeatedly contacted and held discussions with Heritage and with successive municipal officials. "The Charterhouse is a priority objective in the conservation of Heritage and for our organization, and we will insist on everything necessary," he emphasized.

As for the area affected by the collapse, it has been located and its perimeter has been closed. Thus, the complex can be visited regularly. However, the association reiterated that urgent work is needed to prevent the deterioration of this collapsed space and noted that it has requested the expansion of the BIC (Biological Heritage Site). "Rain can hit at any time, and the building shouldn't be left unprotected," he warned.