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Palma Mallorca | Palma Majorca
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This city is bursting with life and over half of the population of Mallorca live here. There are many top quality hotels, bars and restaurants, along with some fantastic areas to visit and enjoy.
The city is situated on the Bay Of Palma and is named after the Roman City Palmaria, you will be surprised to know that the original Roman City still exists two metres beneath the existing city, and every time any new building work occurs locals still find remnants of the Roman age gone by.
The most amazing site in Palma is the Cathedral, which was built on the site of an old Mosque, which was once a Roman temple. The original walls, which encased the city, have been pulled down to allow a ring road to be built and a magnificent promenade giving you quite unbelievable views of the cathedral. Most of the tourist sites are within the boundaries of the old city and below we have listed what we believe to be the best of Palma, we hope you enjoy this section.
Best of Palma
Ajuntament
Ajuntament - this is the town hall and is based from the 17th century, if by chance the front doors are ever open it is well worth while have a little peak in. A visit to the website of Palma de Mallorca, created by the Town Council of Palma is recommended. This website offers the most comprehensive information available about Palma de Mallorca for everyone living, visiting or doing business in the city. Visit Website.
Banys Arabs
Banys Arabs - these are the arab baths which date back to the 10th century they are open daily from 9.30-7.30. These Moorish baths date from the 10th century & are the only complete remaining Moorish-constructed buildings in Palma. One room contains a dome supported by 12 columns. Tel: (971 721549).
Basilica de Sant Francesc
Basilica de Sant Francesc - this is a very imposing church with Gothic pillars hidden behind lemon trees, the inside of this church is very extravagant with vaulted ceilings and ornate hoardings. Open mon-sat-9.30-12-30, 3.30-6.00. Tel:(971 712695). Built in 1281 on a site where the Moors this church was struck by lightning in 1580. Consequently, the façade you see today is a Baroque creation.
Castell de Bellver
Castell de Bellver - the name means ‘castle with a view’, and this does have a quite magnificent view it is classed as one of Palma’s great landmarks. The castle was originally used by Mallorcan Kings as a summer home, and later became a political prison. Today you can still see the words of prisoners scrawled into the walls. Over the last few years the castle has been a home to major pop concerts on the island. Tel:(971730657). Begun by Jaume II in 1300 and built by Pere Salva, the architect of the Almudaina Palace, it is unique among Spanish castles in being entirely round.
Es Baluard
Es Baluard - this gallery was opened in 2004 and houses modern and contemporary art. The artists range from the late 19th to the 21st century. Tel: (971 908200). This is a wonderful, imaginative building which displays art work to great advantage. Some declare that the building is better than the art on display but that's unfair. The Light Messages exhibition in the basement was exciting, shocking and fascinating. Now how often can you say that about an art exhibition?
Museu de Mallorca
Museu de Mallorca - this is the islands leading museum, inside is a treasure trove of pictures, sculptures and ceramics. Tel: (971 717540). This museum contains important archaeological remains, ranging from Talayotic figures to Moorish ceramics, and other items like Gothic panels. Especially interesting is the collection of weapons, ornaments and spiritual symbols relating to the island's first settlers. There are also paintings, Renaissance and Baroque ceramics, and a section with modernistic furniture.
Museu Diocesà
Museu Diocesà - on display in this museum is a mixture of historical and religious items spanning over 5 centuries. This museum is designed to look like an antiques shop and attracts many visitors. Particularly noteworthy are: a picture of St George slaying the dragon in front of Palma's city gate, painted in 1468-70 by Pere Nisart; Bishop Galiana's panel depicting the life of St Paul (who is portrayed holding a sword); the Gothic pulpit in a Mudéjar (Spanish-Moorish) style; and the jasper sarcophagus of Jaume II, which stood in the cathedral until 1904.
Old town
Between the Plaza Mayor and the cathedral lies the old town of Palma, with its narrow lanes and its picturesque nooks and crannies behind the magnificent cathedral, and one of the city’s main shopping areas is around the square. It has a fantastic array of standard and chic boutiques. Make sure whilst walking around you look up at the grandure of the old buildings and be amazed at how well every building has been kept.
Palau Reial l’Almudaina
Palau Reial l’Almudaina - this is Palma’s Royal Palace and was rebuilt in the reign of Jaume II. There are various tours available and today the palace houses the island’s legislature. It is also the official residence of King Juan Carlos of Spain when he visits the island. The S'Hort del Rei gardens beneath the palace make a pleasant place to sit beneath the fountains watching the world go by. Look out for the Arc de la Drassana, once the gateway to the royal docks; near here is a statue of a hondero or Balearic slinger.
Parc de la Mar
Parc de la Mar - this small area encompasses a lake which was designed to reflect the cathedral and is lined with a few trendy cafes, you will find many people congregate here especially in early evening before venturing into the night life of Palma.
Passeig des Born
Passeig des Born - This is Palma’s main promenade and has been since the 15th century, even today amid the hectic traffic there is a distinct relaxed air about the area. This is a must visit area, and in the summer months you will find street vendors and musicians entertaining the passing public.
Poble Espanyol
Poble Espanyol-This is a purpose built Spanish village just on the outskirts of Palma, there are around 20 buildings designed to look exactly the same as famous areas and there is the chance to join in workshops showing local craft making skills. There are various places to eat all offering traditional Spanish food. Tel: (971 737070).
La Seu
La Seu- (Cathedral) - This quite magnificent building can be seen for miles and stands on the waters edge for all to see as you enter Palma, the first stone was laid in 1230 and the building was completed in 1601. You enter the Cathedral through the northern door and are led into the Diocesan Museum. You will be amazed at the size and lighting in this building, there is a huge 15th century rose window with over 1236 pieces of glass measuring over 44feet in diameter. As you leave the Cathedral make sure you go and see the horse-drawn Galeras, they line the Costa de la Seu.