The town of Muro combines rural charm with beautiful beaches nearby and an interesting cultural heritage. Muro is an ideal place for those looking for a quiet experience in a natural and authentic environment during their visit to Mallorca.
Muro got its name because of its history and the Arab influence in the region. The term “Muruh” is derived from the Arabic word “muru’a”, meaning “wall” or “boundary”.
The Albufera de Muro is located 2 km from the town centre and is considered one of the largest wetlands in Mallorca. It extends towards the municipalities of Alcúdia and Sa Pobla, having a fundamental role in its history.
The origins of settlement in Muro
area date back to the Copper Age
The origins of Muro date back to prehistoric times. This period is reflected in the archaeological sites such as Es Fiters. During Roman times, Muro was part of Pollentia and was an important enclave for trade and agriculture. Under Muslim rule, it became an important agricultural and livestock centre.
The conquest of Mallorca by King Jaime I of Aragon in the 13th century marked a significant change in the history of Muro. The municipality became part of the Kingdom of Mallorca, and the Muslim population was gradually replaced by Christian settlers. During the Renaissance, Muro experienced a period of growth and prosperity, with the construction of churches and manor houses that are still preserved today.
Over the centuries, Muro has witnessed several conflicts and political changes, but has managed to maintain its traditional character and cultural heritage.
The urban and architectural physiognomy of the present-day town of Muro dates back to the years immediately after the Catalan conquest of 1229 and is the result of centuries of urban and building evolution. The lords of the Catalan conquest of 1229 first occupied the area closest to La Riba to build their mansions, and the neighbourhood was known from then on as El Comtat. Over the centuries, the nucleus grew and new neighbourhoods were formed as the population increased: the neighbourhood of Son Moro, Es Colomer, Porrassar, Son Font, Poble Nou. In the second half of the 20th century, the Comunes of Can Fiol, Can Oliver and the industrial areas of Marjales were added.
Muro has a traditional weekly market which takes place every Sunday morning until midday (9-14:30h). During this activity, the shops and businesses of the town open their doors and there is a wide variety of options for a good meal. In addition, the atmosphere at the market is very pleasant and many people attend.
The 17th of January is the most popular festival. During this festival, bonfires are lit in the streets to celebrate the arrival of the new year and to honour Sant Antoni, the patron saint of animals. The neighbours gather around the bonfires, where typical products such as butifarrones and sobrasada are roasted. Parades are also held and pets are blessed.
Easter Monday. Festivity with mass in honour of the saint, games, music and popular dance.
On the weekend of 6 and 7 April, a fair dedicated to agriculture, handicrafts and livestock is held. Since the end of the 18th century, the area around the convent of Los Mínimos has been full of festivities and noise.
JUNE arrives and with the characteristic smell of the lime trees in the square, Muro begins to prepare the PATRONAL FESTIVITIES OF SANT JOAN, a festival where the participation of the citizens is the most important aspect to highlight.
During the month of JULY, the Cós de Sant Jaume races take place, an event where horse riders and children are the main protagonists. These Es Cós races take place on the Sunday closest to the day of Sant Jaume (25th July). At 12 o'clock in the morning, the "joies" (jewels) races begin for the little ones, and then it is the turn of the horse races, in all their categories.
On 27th and 28th July, the festive activity of Muro will move to Playas de Muro, the coastal town, which since 2008 has been hosting sa FIRA NOCTURNA, where Mureran cuisine and the trades of a bygone era are the protagonists.
Currently known as sa Carabassa, which is held on the Sunday before Dijous Bo with the fall of the first leaves, comes the FIRA DE TARDOR, a fair that coincides with the second Sunday in November.
On the 3rd Sunday in December, in the Cloister of the Convent, the Christmas market is held, a market where you can buy typical Christmas dishes, as well as Christmas decorations and toys, accompanied by fun and entertainment for the little ones.
The Department of Commerce and Citizen Participation, together with the Muro Traders' Association, holds two opportunity fairs, one in February and the other in September. These fairs coincide with a Sunday and the town's shops take to the streets with small stalls and marquees on the esplanade in front of the Town Hall where people can buy products at heavily discounted prices, especially clothing and accessories shops.