Spain is culture

A journey through art and history

The city of Palma was once coveted by Romans, Moors and Berber pirates. It was King Jaume I who put an end to the Moorish reign in the Mediterranean island (13th century), and who built the most important constructions in Palma.

The old quarter of the city stands inside the 18th-century walls which served to repel pirates and corsairs. Visitors will find old churches, palaces and noble mansions with charming courtyards (there are over 40 dotted around the centre of Palma).

The Cathedral of Palma (Sa Seu) is built in a spectacular location on the bay and next to the fishing harbour. It is an elegant Gothic cathedral, and it is harmoniously built, despite being so large. The most striking piece of the monumental building is the grandiose rose window and the unique wrought iron canopy – the work of Catalan master Antonio Gaudí.

Opposite the Cathedral is the Almudaina Palace. The former Moorish palace and residence of the monarchs of Majorca is currently used as a museum. Its appearance as a Moorish fortress contrasts with the rich ornamentation of the flamboyant Gothic Chapel of Santa Ana inside.

Situated near the Paseo Sagrera is Sa Llotja. This old fish market, which is used for exhibitions today, is one of the best examples of civil Gothic architecture in Spain. Its Solomonic columns and cross vaults are quite unusual for a secular construction. Next to the Lotja is the Consolat (Consulate) de Mar where the regional government has its headquarters, under Renaissance arches.

Following down the Paseo Sagrera takes us to Es Baluard modern art museum which houses a collection of works representing the most significant international trends since the 19th century to the present day. Visitors can see works by such artists as Cezanne, Gauguin, Picasso, Tàpies, Kiefer and Barceló, amongst others. Other important museums in the city should not be overlooked such as the Pilar y Joan Miró Foundation or the March Foundation.

Our journey continues on the Paseo del Born boulevard. It is one of the city’s main streets separating the monumental quarter and port and popular neighbourhoods such as Sant Joan and Puig de Sant Pere.

Taking Calle Unió street from Plaza Rei Joan Carles, our next stop is La Caixa Foundation. The former modernist Grand Hotel is home to an important cultural centre.

We then reach the Plaza Mayor with its major modernist inspiration. From here there are large avenues and boulevards which comprise the newer areas of the modern city of Palma de Mallorca.

To return to the coast from the Plaza Mayor, we cross the old town and can visit the Plaza de Cort square, the Town Hall, the Vivot Palace or the Church of Santa Eulària. Other mansions in the area include Can Corbella (neo-Mudejar style), Can Forteza Rey and El Águila (an example of Modernism).

Another option is to go around the former Jewish quarter and Sa Calatrava. The main stop-offs on this journey are the Gothic church of Sant Francesc and, in the heart of the Jewish Quarter (Call), the Baroque church of Montesión, built over a synagogue. Near the Paseo Marítimo waterfront are the Arab baths, a reminder that the Caliphate of Cordoba also ruled the island.

The Majorca Museum is located in this area and house a collection of pre-historic, Roman, Muslim and mediaeval pieces.

Lastly, a little further away (two kilometres from the centre) on a hill is Bellver Castle. Its unique circular floor plan and delicacy of the interior arcade provide it with a more decorative than defensive aspect. The Municipal History Museum is located in the outbuildings.

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