Glass

The history of glassblowing in Mallorca is a fascinating tale that dates back to ancient times. It is believed that the Phoenicians introduced this technique to the island in the 2nd century B.C., establishing glass furnaces on the coast. During the Roman domination, glass production flourished, reaching its peak in the 2nd century A.D. under the reign of Septimius Severus.

With the arrival of the Arabs in Mallorca in the 10th century, the blown glass technique was enriched with new influences and designs. After the conquest of the island by James I of Aragon in the 13th century, glass production experienced a new impulse, and Mallorcan artisans began to export their creations to other regions of the Mediterranean.

The 18th century marked the apogee of blown glass in Mallorca, thanks to the influence of Venetian masters. The Gordiola family, from Catalonia, settled on the island in 1719 and founded a glass factory that would become an international benchmark. The Mallorcan glassmakers adopted Venetian techniques and designs, creating pieces of great beauty and quality that were exported throughout Europe.

Throughout the centuries, glass blowing in Mallorca has maintained its tradition and has been able to adapt to the new times. The Gordiola factory, which is still in operation today, is a living testimony of this millenary history. Its craftsmen continue to use ancestral techniques to create unique and original pieces, which keep the flame of blown glass alive in Mallorca.

Today, blown glass is still an appreciated and valued art in Mallorca, and the island has several workshops and schools where this technique is taught. Mallorcan blown glass is a symbol of the creativity and talent of the island’s artisans, and their creations are a reflection of Mallorca’s rich history and culture.