Muro, Mallorca

The history of Muro stretches back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological remains. During the Roman Empire period, the area formed part of the urban center of Pollentia and served as a hub for trade and agriculture. Under Muslim rule, Muro developed into a productive agricultural and livestock-based settlement. The town's name is believed to have originated from the Arabic term Muruh, possibly meaning "wall" or "boundary." A major turning point came in the 13th century with the Catalan Conquest of Majorca led by King James I of Aragon, after which Muro became part of the Kingdom of Majorca. Christian settlers gradually replaced the Muslim population, and the town began to take on the urban layout still recognizable today. The oldest part of Muro, known as El Comtat, formed around the estates of Catalan lords, and the town expanded steadily over the centuries. During the Renaissance, Muro experienced economic and cultural growth, marked by the construction of notable churches and manor houses. Despite political changes and periods of unrest over time, Muro has retained much of its traditional identity and architectural heritage. ==Agriculture==

Muro and the surrounding area are famous for growing oranges, lemons, olives and potatoes. Farmers in Muro and Sa Pobla produce over 1,600 tons of potatoes every year, generating 100 direct jobs and 150 indirect jobs. This production is intended for export and the domestic market with a value of nearly 20 million euros. ==Demographics==

According to an evaluation by the Spanish National Statistics Institute, Muro had a population of 8,136 in 2024, reflecting a steady growth from the 7,547 residents recorded in the 2021 official Spanish census. This represents a population average annual increase of approximately 2.5% over the three-year period. The municipality covers an area of 58.61 km², resulting in a population density of around 138.8 inhabitants per square kilometre. ==Administration and local government==

The municipal government of Muro is led by Martí Fornés of the local political group Convergència Democràtica Murera (CDM), who was re-elected mayor following the municipal elections in 2015. His appointment was secured through a coalition agreement with the Partido Popular (PP) and Proposta per les Illes (El PI) parties, with CDM holding five seats on the town council, and PP and El PI each contributing one. ==Tourism==

Muro, like many municipalities in Mallorca, experiences a significant influx of tourists during the summer months, with August being a particularly striking example. According to a survey conducted in August 2024 by the Spanish National Statistics Institute that tracked foreign tourist numbers via phone data, Muro experienced six times as many foreign tourists as residents. ==International relations==

Twin towns Since April 2008, Muro has been officially twinned with Dębica, a town in southeastern Poland, as part of the European cooperation initiative "Europa Miast" (translated as "Europe of Cities"). The partnership agreement was signed in Muro's town hall, marking the culmination of several months of dialogue and cultural exchange efforts initiated by Dębica to establish a sister city in Spain. ==References==