Consider a journey back in time. It leads us to Son Ferriol. This town within Palma holds stories from centuries past.
Son Ferriol sits six kilometers from Palma’s center. It lies between La Creu Vermella and Son Banya. The hamlet of S’Hostalot marks its northeastern edge.
Once, farming dominated the Sant Jordi and s’Horta regions. The 1785 map by Cardinal Despuig mentions Son Ferriol’s estates. Documentation shows these estates existed as early as 1713.
Bartomeu Oliver began urbanizing Son Ferriol in 1898. He bought land from the Son Sant Joan estate. Oliver built a cafe, shop, barber’s, ironsmith’s, and carpenter’s. These became the core for houses around today’s Can Tunis cafe on the main road to Manacor.
Son Ferriol truly emerged in 1917. Priest Bartomeu Font bought the estate from Anna M. Bonafé. The current street layout started in 1920. Public buildings like the church and the public school date back to 1925.
Imagine the bustle of early Son Ferriol. The sounds of hammers, the scent of coffee, and the chatter of neighbors filled the air. This area transformed from farmland into a thriving community.
Today, Son Ferriol offers a different feel from Palma’s center. In Son Ferriol ordinary families reside. Many are Mallorcan. Single-family homes with gardens or terraces are common. The old part of Son Ferriol extends south of the health center. It was publicly built in 1917. A construction boom began in the 1980s. The former private estate of Son Ramis opened for building.
Every Saturday morning, the main plaza hosts a market. Locals sell products.
Son Ferriol celebrates its patron saint, San Antonio Abad, on January 17th. The night before, locals celebrate with bonfires where, according to legend, the devil is burned. A small parade with demons occurs on the 17th.
The last weekend of March brings the famous fair. Locals offer their best products at a discount. There are also attractions for children.
Son Ferriol is a place where history whispers through the streets. It is a testament to community and transformation. As you explore Son Ferriol, remember its humble beginnings. Think of the priest who envisioned a town and the families who built it.