In the heart of the Raiguer region, sheltered by the mountains and blessed with a Mediterranean climate, the history of Binissalem has been shaped from its very beginnings by the scent of grapes and tilled earth.

At Bodega Sa Cabana, we feel a deep devotion to this town, where the landscape is dominated by the vineyards of Binissalem, creating an authentic and peaceful scene that captivates those seeking the true essence of the Balearic Islands.

This is a land of rich heritage that once captivated figures such as Jules Verne and has made our municipality an essential destination for lovers of fine wine and the island’s history.

The art of growing grapes: the heart of our landscape

If anything defines the identity of our town, it is, without a doubt, its glorious wine-making culture. This powerful tradition is not a recent fad, but the backbone that has shaped daily life, the economy and the landscape of the municipality over the centuries.

Here, the combination of limestone soils and the microclimate surrounding the town has fostered the production of wines covered by their own designation of origin, renowned for their character and balance. Each vineyard plot reflects the knowledge passed down by the various civilisations that have inhabited this area since time immemorial.

Festa des Vermar: the major event celebrating wine culture

The highlight of our wine calendar comes every September with the Festa des Vermar. This iconic grape harvest festival transforms the streets into a hive of activity and pays tribute to the culture of the grape through a wide range of cultural and culinary events:

• Tastings of local wines and regional culinary specialities.
• Workshops on the grape harvest and guided tours of our heritage sites.
• Performances of folk music, traditional dances and theatre productions.

This is a vibrant event that showcases the region’s prestigious wine culture, where locals and visitors alike share a passion for the fruit of our vines.

A mosaic of civilisations: from their origins to the Islamic legacy

To understand the history of Binissalem, one must look back and discover the mark left by the various cultures that once inhabited this area. The municipality is home to important Talayotic remains, such as the archaeological sites of Can Cabrit, Can Macià and El Claper de los Moros, as well as Roman ruins.

Subsequently, Muslim rule left an indelible mark on both place names and agricultural techniques. The former centre of local power at Robines, together with the network of traditional wells and irrigation channels, bears witness to this rich heritage.

‘The town’s name itself derives from the Arabic term Banu Ssálam (‘Sons of Peace’) or Banu Ssálim, whilst its historic coat of arms features the shell of St James, the town’s patron saint, thus bringing together our Islamic and Christian pasts.’

The significance of Binissalem’s ‘living stone’ and the splendour of the village

The prosperity linked to agriculture and trade enabled the village of Binissalem to experience a period of great economic prosperity between the 17th and 18th centuries. This boom led to the construction of remarkable buildings made of limestone – the famous ‘piedra viva’ of Binissalem – quarried from local quarries by master stonemasons whose techniques are still practised today. Thanks to this legacy, the old town was designated a historic and artistic site in 1983.

It was during this period of economic prosperity that the iconic mansions and residences of the Baroque era, which adorn our town, were built. These grand buildings reflect the opulence of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, which cemented the town’s architectural heritage.

Among the village’s historic residences, notable buildings include Can Marc, Can Beltran, Can Garrover, Can n’Antic, Can Novell, Can Corneta, Can Ferrer, Can Sabater, Can Enric Sureda, Can Julià and Can Tous, as well as examples of such distinctive architecture as Can Tiró de Ses Bolles, with its Mannerist façade, and Can Gelabert, whose rooms feature Pompeian-style frescoes.

Can Sabater deserves a special mention: the former home of the celebrated writer Llorenç Villalonga — who, alongside Llorenç Moyà, captured local customs in his works — has now been transformed into a leading literary museum.

All these traditional buildings coexist harmoniously with more modern structures which, whilst somewhat disrupting the village’s traditional style, reflect another era of prosperity.

The Church of Santa María de Robines and life in the square

Among the historic buildings in the village of Binissalem, the one that dominates the town’s skyline with its imposing presence is the Church of Santa María de Robines, an 18th-century Baroque church built from the village’s own grey stone and designated a Site of Cultural Interest (BIC). Built on the site of the former Plaza de los Lledoners —now known as Plaza de la Iglesia— it retains Gothic remains from the original parish church and features an iconic bell tower designed in 1927 by the architect Guillem Forteza Pinya.

As you explore the town and wonder what to see in Binissalem’s main square, your gaze is immediately drawn to this tree-lined, welcoming setting, full of terraces where the warmth of local life invites you to take a break in the shade.

A heritage rich in detail and with its own distinct character

Every corner of the municipality holds traces of everyday life that enrich its history, such as the ancient wall of the Rectory’s orchard (which dates back to the late 18th century) or the historic Sa Creu street, famous for its ancient well, its rows of almond trees and its traditional boundary cross.

Added to this rich heritage is a distinctive linguistic feature that we share with neighbouring towns such as Lloseta and Alaró: the characteristic use of the ‘open e’, which gives our neighbours’ way of speaking a very distinctive sound, full of character.

At Sa Cabana, we know that every glass of wine encapsulates a piece of this land. The history of Binissalem is the history of its vineyards, its stone and the passion of its people – a legacy that we cherish every day from our winery so that we can continue to offer the purest essence of Mallorca.

Discover the fascinating history of Binissalem and its long-standing winemaking tradition in Mallorca. A journey through the vineyards, the Festa des Vermar and its heritage of living stone.