Palma de Mallorca Tourist Attractions
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Palma de Mallorca (Majorcan Ciutat), capital of Majorca and of the Autonomous Community of the Balearics, is picturesquely situated on the Bahía de Palma, which reaches inland for some 20km/12.5mi on the southwest coast of the island. This lively city is an important Mediterranean port, the economic and cultural center of the islands and the see of a bishop. It was the birthplace in 1235 of the famous mystic, philosopher and writer Ramón Llull (Raimundus Lullus). With its busy central area, its historic old town and the extensive beaches surrounding the whole of the bay, Palma is one of the most popular holiday resorts in Spain and a good base from which to explore the rest of the island, since Majorca's whole road network is centered on the town.
Cathedral
Above the Old Harbor rises the cathedral (La Seo), a massive sandstone structure begun about 1230 in Early Gothic style but not completed until the 16th and 17th centuries, with three doorways, a beautiful south front (14th century), two 19th century towers and a bell-tower of 1270. From the terrace on the south side of the cathedral there is a magnificent view of the bay.
Cathedral Museum
A doorway on the north side of the cathedral leads into the Cathedral Museum, with three rooms displaying manuscript books of plainsong, altarpieces, a Late Gothic monstrance, sculpture and a variety of other sacred objects.
Cathedral - Interior
The interior of the cathedral, which is entered from the Museum, was remodelled by Antoni Gaudí in the early 20th Century. With its aisled nave rising to a height of 44m/144ft, it covers an area of 6600 sq.m/71,050 sq.ft. It is lit by stained glass windows and no fewer than seven rose windows, the largest of which, in the apse, dates from 1370. In the Capilla Real (Chapel Royal) is the high altar, over which is suspended a gigantic baldachin by Gaudí in the form of a crown of thorns. On the side walls are the tombs of Bishops Berenguer Batle and Guillem de Villanova, who made major contributions to the construction of the cathedral in the 14th century. Behind the Capilla Real are the bishop's throne and, in the Capilla de la Trinidad, the sarcophagi of Kings Jaime II and III.
Diocesan Museum
Directly opposite the choir of the Cathedral is the Bishop's Palace, which now houses the Diocesan Museum, with liturgical utensils, incunabula, ceramics, etc.
Palacio de la Almudaina
Opposite the west doorway of the cathedral is the Palacio de la Almudaina, once the residence of the Moorish viziers and from 1230 a royal stronghold. It is now occupied by military offices and by the Museo Nacional (National Museum). In the courtyard is the Gothic Capilla de Santa Ana.
Lonja
Below the cathedral is the modern Parque del Mar, on the south wall of which is a tiled panel with a picture by Joan Miró. This leads into the palm-shaded Paseo Sagrera, which runs alongside the harbor. On the right is the Lonja (originally the Commercial Exchange), built in the 15th century in Gothic style by the Majorcan architect Guillem Sagrera.
Consulado del Mar
Adjoining the Lonja is the Consulado del Mar, the old Admiralty Court, with a beautiful Renaissance gallery around the upper floor. It is now occupied by the government of the Autonomous Community.
Mansión del Arte
In Calle de los Apuntadores, a little way north of the Parque del Mar, is the Mansión del Arte, with all Goya's etchings in original copies and works by Picasso.
Paseo del Borne
From the Old Harbor the Avenida Rey Jaime III runs north by way of the Plaza de la Reina to the Paseo del Borne, Palma's principal promenade. On its west side is the large Palacio Morell (Palacio Sollerich; 1763); the interior, with its valuable furniture, is open to the public.
Rambla
From the north end of the Paseo a street leads east past the Law Courts (Palacio Berga) and the Theater (Teatro Principal) to the Rambla (Via Roma), the city's second promenade. The flower market is held under the plane-trees here.
Plaza Mayor
From the near end of the Rambla, a large flight of steps leads up to the Plaza Mayor, the central feature of the old town. From here Calle San Miguel runs north to the church of San Miguel, which was originally a mosque.
Parc de la Mar
Numerous examples of modern sculpture and ceramic murals are on display throughout the park.
Surroundings
Several interesting attractions lay outside the borders of the city proper.
Palma de Mallorca - Huerta de Palma
The fertile Huerta de Palma, to the west of the Palma de Mallorca, is dotted with numerous villages, estates and country houses (Majorcan son). The best known of these houses are Son Vida (5km/3mi west), once the seat of the Marqués de la Torre, and Son Berga (6km/4mi north), which dates from 1776. Near the artists' colony of Genova (5km/3mi west) can be found an interesting little stalactitic cave. There are still large numbers of the characteristic Majorcan windmills in the Huerta.
Bahía de Palma
From Palma C 719 runs west to Cala d'en Blanes, where the main attraction is Marineland, with a dolphinarium, an aquarium and a tropicarium.
Portals Vells
The road continues from Bahía de Palma by way of Magalluf, an unfortunate example of the excesses of the tourist boom, to the village of Portals Vells, at the southern tip of the peninsula, with an old cave church in the bay. Above the coast road runs the motorway, which passes close to the Castillo de Bendinat (13th century).
Palma Nova
At Palma Nova the C 719 comes to the Coll de sa Batalla (Battle Pass), where Jaime I's army defeated the Moors. The motorway runs east from Palma to the airport of Son San Juan (10km/ 6mi).
El Arenal
The parallel coast road runs from Palma Nova through a number of old fishing villages and past the extensive sandy beaches of the Playas de Palma to El Arenal, one of the great centers of mass tourism. This stretch of coast is now an almost continuous tourist resort, well provided with hotels, restaurants, shops and places of entertainment.
Cueva de Genova, Genova
Location: Province of Balearics; on Majorca, 4.5km/3mi west of Palma at Génova; entrance beside a house. Features: A series of chambers, with large numbers of delicate stalactites and stalagmites in a variety of colors. Conducted tour.
Red Lightning
On Majorca railroad enthusiasts will enjoy a trip on the old-world train which runs from Palma to Sóller, from which an equally nostalgic tram runs through orange and lemon groves to Puerto de Sóller. Information from the station in Palma or from a Majorcan tourist office.
Paguera
The resort town of Paguera is becoming more popular due to its three coves and the scenic mountains that surrounding the town.
Majorca - Sierra del Norte
The mountains along the northern shore of Majorca contain many interesting attractions.
Magalluf
The town of Magalluf is known for its long beaches and pine forest.
Airport
The airport is located 10km east of Palma
Cala Figuera
This small cove is an ideal spot for bathing.
Events
Several events take place across the island.
Fiestas de San Antonio Abad, Sa Pobla
On January 17, the village of Sa Pobla holds a festival in honor of San Antonio Abad.
Map of Palma de Mallorca Attractions
Map - Palma de Mallorca
