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This elegant island has to
offer anything a visitor might dream of. Tourism at Mallorca started to
develop already in the 1920s, and until the Spanish Civil War it was
mainly intellectuals and artists who were attracted by this island.
Mallorca's wonderful climate, beautiful landscapes as well as its
cosmopolitan ambience make it a privileged holiday resort, with a cultural
offer comparable to the one of many European capitals. The Auditiorio
de Palma, for instance, ranks among Europe's top concert halls. At
Mallorca, you will find relaxation, inspiration, culture and
entertainment. The city's cultural offer is impressive, specially if you
take its size into consideration, and there is a large number of monuments
you really should not miss.
 The
Cathedral -
This is,
probably, the most distinctive landmark of Palma. The cathedral, called la
Seo by the Mallorquines, was constructed from 14th to 19th
century, and the highly creative Antoni Gaudí designed its
interior in 20th century. Results are fascinating and original
at the same time, almost impossible to describe with words. Most
outstanding are perhaps the Puerta del Mirador, a door towards the sea
created by architect Guillen Sagrera, and, in the interior, the
chapels Capilla Real and Capilla de la Trinidad, as well as the museum
with masterworks specially of the Baroque epoch.
La
Almudaina -
The
"Royal Palace", constructed over the rests of the Muslim Alcazar,
was the residence of the early kings.
La
Lonja - Perhaps one
of the most outstanding examples of Gothic civil architecture in all the
Mediterranean area, with a great facade and fantastic interior. It was
built by Guillem Sagrera and is used today as Museum of Arts.
Consulado
del Mar -
Close to
"La Lonja", with an outstanding Renaissance gallery of 17th
century. Today this building is the seat of the autonomous government.
 Paseo
del Borne -
The heart of
the historical centre, and one of the most lively streets in town. At both
sides narrow medieval lanes as well as elegant palaces of 19th century
flank it. The Italian influence, very characteristically for Mallorca in
general, is remarkably evident here.
Between
Cathedral and Plaza de Cort - Here you
will find several great palaces, as the ones of Colom, Villalonga, Oleo,
Truyols, Oleza, the Archiepiscopal Palais, the church Iglesia de San
Francisco and the Arabian Baths, one of very few remains of the Moorish
epoch at Mallorca.
Plaza
de Cort - Here are
located the Ayuntamiento, town hall, with its outstanding 17th
century facade, and the Gothic church Iglesia de Santa Catalina.
El
Puig de San Pere - Located
behind "La Lonja", this is another old quarter of town that is
well worth a visit. Of particular interest are the church Iglesia de Santa
Cruz, of 14th century with a 13th century crypt, the
Palacio de Montenegro, Casa Weyler and Casa Belloto.
Around
Plaza Mayor - La Rambla
and Avenida de Jaime III are two important shopping streets with beautiful
buildings, as Casa Berga (today the province's court of law) with its
impressive Baroque balcony. Calle del Sindicato was the seat of the
medieval committees.
Castillo
de Bellver - A fortress
located on top of a hill close to the historical centre, built by Peré
Salvá during the Gothic epoch. Its elegant appearance almost makes
forget that it was originally constructed to defend Mallorca's inhabitants
from their enemies. In its interior there is a museum with a valuable
collection of pieces of classical antiquity.
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