Palma is a beautiful city with a long history behind it. These are our recommendations.
The Cathedral
It is in the thirteenth century began the construction of Palma cathedral, after the Reconquista, and ended at the beginning of the eighteenth century. It is a colossal monument of Gothic style. Its surface is about 6600 square meters. Outside as well as inside, you will find works by Antonio Gaudí.
There is a spectacular mural inside a chapel created by the artist Miquel Barceló, which was inaugurated in 2007.
Website: http://catedraldemallorca.org/
Ses Voltes and Parc de la Mar
Very close to the Cathedral is Ses Voltes, one of the spaces recovered in the city of Palma for leisure and culture. It was built between 1771 and 1801. It is formed by a central courtyard surrounded by walls, with rooms with vaulted roofs.
Right next to it, at the foot of the Cathedral, is the Parc de la Mar, one of the city’s main urban parks, built in the 70s. In the park there is a large saltwater lake that bathes a part of the the wall, and it comes to symbolize the sea that used to reach it. Around the lake there is a large esplanade, and at the other end of the park we can find a greener part, with grass, trees and a playground.
Almudaina Royal Palace and s’Hort del Rei gardens
Almudaina Royal Palace is a modification of the Muslim fortress begun in 1281, on a castle of Roman origin. It was rebuilt in 1309 by King James II, according to the model of Perpignan Royal Palace. It was the seat of the court of the prosperous Kingdom of Mallorca of the 14th century, later passing into the hands of the Kings of Aragon and, finally, those of Spain.
The Muslim memory can be seen in its gardens, known as “s’Hort del Rei“.
Website: https://www.patrimonionacional.es/real-sitio/palacios/6254
Arab baths
They are located inside Can Fontirroig gardens, located at number 7 Can Serra street. They were built in the eleventh century, and are only partially preserved. We will find a square room with 12 columns that support a dome with several round openings. This room was the one of the hot baths, and it had a double floor with holes where the hot water and the steam circulated.
Website: http://www.visitpalma.cat/es/contenido/lugares-de-interes/lugarinteres/Banos-arabes/
Paseo del Borne, Jaime III and the Gran Hotel
Paseo del Born begins in Plaza Juan Carlos I and ends in Plaza de la Reina.
In Paseo del Born and one of the nearby streets, Jaime III, is where the most important fashion chains, as well as large firms, are concentrated.
The Gran Hotel is one of the most charismatic buildings of the city, it was meant to house tourists and now it has become a space dedicated to artistic exhibitions.
Gran Hotel: https://caixaforum.es/palma/visitanos
Town Hall and Plaza de Cort
The City Council is one of the emblematic buildings of the city, located in the Plaza de Cort. It was built in the s. XVII, highlighting its large balcony with 7 windows.
The building presides over Plaza de Cort, where we will also find a centenary olive tree. The name of the square is because here the city court met.
The Rambla
The Rambla is an important walk, it starts at the intersection of Olmos Street, Via Roma and Baron de Pinopar Street and ends near the Main Theater, on the stairs that go up to the Plaza Mayor. On the promenade there are a dozen kiosks that sell plants and flowers.
Plaza Mayor
The space occupied by Plaza Mayor is that of the old convent of San Felipe Neri and some neighboring houses. Until 1823, the square was the seat of the Inquisition. It was not until the last century when the square adopted the aspect it presents now.
In Plaza Mayor and its surroundings you will find restaurants, coffee shops, and art galleries. It even houses a shopping center under its floor. Do not miss the markets that are held on Monday, Friday and Saturday mornings. In them you will find from handmade products to local gastronomic delights such as sausages, grilled fish and delicious figs.
It is a very pleasant area to walk, since it is usually the favorite place of many street artists.
Es Baluard
It is a museum of modern and contemporary art, one of the most important in Spain of its kind. It occupies a privileged place: in the old defensive bastion of Sant Pere, a fort of the XVI century located in the middle of the bay of Palma.
Es Baluard brings together works by Balearic authors or related to the Balearic Islands. It has in its exterior a restaurant ” Es Baluard Restaurant & Lounge ” with spectacular views and a very interesting menu.
Fort of San Carlos / Military Historical Museum
It is an interesting example of defensive fortification from the 17th century and it is strategically located on the pier of Porto Pí, accessed by the Dique del Oeste (West Dam). From the fortress, besides being able to contemplate the extensive collection of arms and warlike and military pieces, you can enjoy panoramic views of the city and the bay.
Website: http://www.ejercito.mde.es/unidades/Madrid/ihycm/Museos/baleares.html
Bellver Castle
Bellver Castle is a Gothic fortification, built at the beginning of the 14th century by order of King James II of Mallorca. It is located on a hill with stunning views over Palma city, Palma bay, and the Sierra de Tramuntana. The most striking is its circular floor, being one of the few in Europe with such a shape, and the oldest of these. The castle is open to the public, and inside it is the Museum of History of the City.
Website: https://castelldebellver.palma.cat/
March Palace
It was the residence of the March family in Palma for decades. It was built between 1939 and 1945 and involved the most representative artists and professionals of the time.
It is located near emblematic monuments such as the Cathedral, the Almudaina Palace and buildings as representative as the old Casino (now the seat of the Parlament de les Illes Balears).
It is the headquarters of the Bartolomé March Foundation.
