Places to fall in love with Palma
Palma is the capital of Mallorca and one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Mediterranean. At the same time, the essence of its history is preserved in every single nook and cranny of its streets, its neighbourhoods and its most emblematic buildings.
When you stay at one of our Inturotel hotels in Mallorca, you simply must visit these 7 places in Palma - places you are certain to fall in love with.
Mallorca Cathedral
The Cathedral of Santa María, also known as Mallorca Cathedral, is the most important religious building on the island of Mallorca. In the Mallorcan language, it is known as La Seu, and it boasts the biggest rose window in the Gothic world. Construction of the cathedral began in 1229, after the conquest of Mallorca by King Jaime I, who promised to build an enormous church dedicated to Saint Mary if the Virgin would save him from death after a stormy sea voyage to the island.
Almudaina Palace
This imposing building, with Roman origins, is a modification of the previous Muslim fortress. Alteration work began 1281, and in the era of the conquest, the name given to the building was Zuda.
In 1309 the Almudaina Palace was rebuilt by King Jaime II, following the model of the Royal Palace of Perpignan. The monarchs of the kingdom of Mallorca and after them those of Aragon held court at the Almudaina.
Bellver Castle
Bellver Castle is built in Mallorcan Gothic style. It was constructed in early 14th century by order of King Jaime II. It stands on a mountain that rises 112 metres above sea level, in an area surrounded by woodland, dominating the bay and much of the island. Its most outstanding feature is that it is one of the very few circular-plan castles in Europe, and is indeed the oldest of such buildings. It houses the Museum of History of the City of Palma, which is open to the public.
Take some time for contemplation here – the views of the city and the bay of Palma are impressive. This is also a place of legend, like so many places on the island. To find out more about Mallorca’s intangible cultural heritage, its legends, its traditions…we invite you to visit www.wowmallorca.com
La Lonja
La Lonja de Palma de Mallorca is one of Mallorca’s masterpieces of Gothic architecture. Constructed by Guillem Sagrera from 1420 to 1452, it was the seat of the Merchants’ Association. It was here that commercial activities were regulated and protected, and upkeep of the port was organised through collection of a tax. The interior of Sa LLotja (as it is known in the Mallorcan language) is comprised of three naves of the same height separated by six helicoidal pillars without capitals, and its lofty dimensions are breathtaking.
Arab baths
These baths are seen as the oldest testimony of Islamic architectural art on the island, and their construction dates back to the 10th century CE. They were built using older elements, recycling capitals from previous eras (Byzantine, Roman…) for example. They may well have formed part of the palace of a Muslim noble.
Their purpose was not only the cleansing of the body, but also spiritual purification. One can still perceive the soothing halo that pervaded them. The bustling heart of the city conceals a place of tranquillity and reflection.
Casal Solleric
The Casal Solleric, now one of Palma’s most important contemporary art centres, was built by the Morell family in the mid-18th century. Baroque-inspired, it is one of the last stately homes to be erected in the city. Since 1985, temporary exhibitions have been held here throughout the year.
Fundació Pilar i Joan Miró
The Miró Mallorca Foundation offers one the chance to contemplate the creative environment of the brilliant artist Joan Miró, with a personal viewing of his ateliers, where he worked from 1956 until his death in 1983. These workshops give some insight into his work environment and enable us to reconstruct his creative process by viewing his paintings and belongings and work tools.