Les Carasses House

Les Carasses House, Palma, Spain: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction: Les Carasses House—A Window into Palma’s Artistic Legacy

Nestled in Palma de Mallorca’s historic center, Les Carasses House (also known as Can Pavesi, Can Belloto, or “la casa que da miedo”—the house that frightens) stands as one of the city’s most spellbinding landmarks. Distinguished by its striking Mannerist façade and a series of sculpted grotesque faces (“carasses”), this private residence is a testament to Palma’s cosmopolitan past and the social and artistic trends that flourished in early modern Mallorca. Although the house’s interiors remain private, its façade, visible from Carrer de Sant Feliu, invites visitors to explore both the city’s layered history and its enduring sense of mystery.

This comprehensive guide covers the history, cultural significance, architectural highlights, practical visiting tips, nearby attractions, and frequently asked questions about Les Carasses House. Whether you’re an architectural enthusiast, historian, or cultural traveler, you’ll discover all you need to fully appreciate this unique Palma landmark.

For further reading, consult articles from Diario de Mallorca and Palma Virtual.

Introduction
Historical Background
Architectural & Artistic Highlights
Legends and Local Lore
Visiting Les Carasses House
Cultural Context & Preservation
Frequently Asked Questions
Summary & Travel Advice
References

Historical Background

Origins and Early Ownership

Les Carasses House traces its roots to a medieval property, but its current form emerged after 1606, when Giovanni Francesco Pavesi, a Genoese jurist, acquired it following a legal dispute. Pavesi’s acquisition marked the beginning of an ambitious transformation, reflecting his status and international influences (Diario de Mallorca). The property’s earlier owners included the Verí family and merchant Antoni Mas, placing it at the heart of Palma’s social and economic networks.

Architectural Transformation: The Mannerist Façade

Pavesi’s renovation, completed around 1620, introduced the Italian Mannerist style to Palma. The façade—unlike anything else in the city at the time—features rusticated pilasters and a series of grotesque sculpted faces above doors and windows. The most famous is a devilish or leonine mask with its tongue sticking out, positioned beneath the family coat of arms and under the enigmatic Latin word “Eundo” (“To the one who passes by!”) (Mallorca Para Siempre). These bold features quickly established the house as a local curiosity.

Artistic and Cultural Influences

The façade’s inspiration draws clear parallels to Rome’s Palazzo Zuccaro (1596), famed for its monstrous open-mouthed doors and windows. Les Carasses House’s grotesques echo both Italian Mannerism and Mediterranean folklore, blending imported style with local tradition (Palma Virtual). This was a time when Palma’s elite displayed cosmopolitan tastes and asserted their identity through remarkable architecture.

From the outset, locals viewed the house with equal parts fascination and suspicion. The bold faces and cryptic inscription led to the nickname “la casa que da miedo” (the house that frightens) and inspired myriad urban legends. Some believed the faces warded off evil; others thought they mocked onlookers or reflected the owner’s outsider status (Diario de Mallorca). By 1765, the house’s notoriety was such that the street was colloquially called “carrer de ses Carasses.”

Preservation and Modifications

Though subdivided in the 19th century and altered with the addition of balconies, Les Carasses House retains its iconic features. Restoration efforts, especially in 2008, focused on preserving the stonework and cleaning the carasses. The house has thus remained a well-maintained symbol of Palma’s layered history (Diario de Mallorca).

Architectural & Artistic Highlights

Grotesque Faces (Carasses): About a dozen expressive masks adorn the façade, each unique. The central mask with its tongue sticking out is the most famous.
Latin Inscription “Eundo”: Likely a message to passersby, its exact meaning remains debated.
Rusticated Pilasters: Classic elements of Italian Mannerism frame the doors and windows.
Influence of Palazzo Zuccaro: The grotesques reflect both Italian and local influences, setting Les Carasses apart from Palma’s predominantly Gothic and Baroque landscape.
Patio and Staircase: A traditional Palma townhouse feature, though not accessible to the public.

For more architectural context, see Velvet Escape and Mas Mallorca.

Legends and Local Lore

Les Carasses House is woven into Palma’s urban legends. Some say the faces were meant to ward off evil or envious neighbors; others interpret the tongue-sticking mask as a playful or defiant gesture. These stories highlight how art and architecture shaped social dynamics in early modern Palma (rialtoliving.com).

Visiting Les Carasses House

Location & Accessibility

Les Carasses House is on Carrer de Sant Feliu, 10, in Palma’s Old Town. The area’s pedestrianized streets are easily navigated on foot, though surfaces can be uneven (lonelyplanet.com).

Visiting Hours & Tickets

Interior Access: Les Carasses House is a private residence and is not open for interior visits.
Facade Viewing: The façade can be admired at any time from the street—no tickets or entrance fees are required.
Best Time for Photos: Morning and late afternoon offer the best lighting for photography.

Guided Tours

Numerous walking tours of Palma’s Old Town include Les Carasses as a highlight. These offer in-depth historical context and local anecdotes (Majorca Info).

Travel Tips

Wear comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets.
Be respectful of residents when photographing the façade.
Consider joining a guided tour for richer historical context.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions for a fuller experience.

Nearby Attractions

Palma Cathedral (La Seu): Renowned Gothic architecture (voyagetips.com).
Royal Palace of La Almudaina: Former Moorish fortress and royal residence.
Banys Arabs (Arab Baths): Traces of Palma’s Islamic history.
Plaça Major & Plaça de la Reina: Bustling squares with cafes and shops.

Cultural Context & Preservation

Les Carasses House is a prime example of how Palma’s architecture reflects its diverse cultural history—from Roman and Moorish periods to the Renaissance and beyond. The masks express both artistic ambition and local identity, while preservation efforts underscore Palma’s commitment to safeguarding its heritage in the face of modern challenges (spain.info). Responsible tourism is encouraged to maintain the area’s unique character (mirror.co.uk).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I tour the interior of Les Carasses House?
A: No, the house is a private residence. Only the façade is accessible to the public.

Q: What are the visiting hours or ticket requirements?
A: There are no official hours or tickets needed. The façade can be enjoyed at any time.

Q: Are guided tours available that include Les Carasses House?
A: Yes, many walking tours of Palma’s Old Town include this landmark.

Q: Is Les Carasses House wheelchair accessible?
A: The street is pedestrian-friendly but may have uneven paving; the interior is not accessible.

Q: What other attractions are nearby?
A: Palma Cathedral, Almudaina Palace, the Arab Baths, and Plaça Major are all within a short walk.

Summary & Final Travel Advice

Les Carasses House remains a captivating emblem of Palma’s rich architectural tapestry. Its Mannerist façade, adorned with grotesque faces and the mysterious “Eundo” inscription, reflects the city’s history as a crossroads of Mediterranean culture. While entry is not permitted, the house’s exterior is an essential stop for anyone exploring Palma’s Old Town. Combine your visit with nearby historic sites and consider joining a guided tour to fully appreciate the context and legends surrounding this remarkable building.

To stay informed and enhance your experience, download the Audiala app for walking guides and cultural updates, and follow local heritage channels on social media.

References

Image: Les Carasses House façade with grotesque stone masks
Alt text: Exterior view of Les Carasses House in Palma featuring its distinctive grotesque stone masks on the façade.