Palma de Mallorca, Spain: what is Palma de Mallorca known for

Palma de Mallorca, Spain,  is the heart of the island and also the capital of Ibiza, Menorca and other smaller islands. The bay in which Palma de Mallorca is located is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, such as sandy beaches, impregnable rocks and emerald pines. Close to the city there is the main airport where most of the flights arrive. Palma attracts travelers from all over the world with its beautiful beaches with soft sand and excellent service, comfortable hotels and cozy guest houses, beautiful Baroque and Gothic architecture, a huge number of cafes and restaurants of any cuisine in the world, entertainment for every taste. So let’s talk about What is Palma de Mallorca known for.

Main square or Plaza Mayor

The central square of the city is called Plaza Mayor and it is the best place to start. Firstly, it is easily accessible by public transport, secondly, there are many cafes and snack bars on and around the square where you can have a snack before a long walk full of unforgettable experiences. The square is paved with massive slabs. The buildings built around the perimeter have classical Spanish style arches on the first floor, and the upper floors attract windows with colored wooden shutters. In general, the square is more like the inner courtyard of a small palace. Not far from the square there is a city theater, the Municipal Council, the Church of St. Eupatia and the Church of St. Michael. 

Boulevard Passeig del Born

The popular walking and shopping street of Palma Majorca, Spain - Paseo del Born is located in 10 minutes walk from Plaza Mayor. To explore this boulevard you need to spend at least half an hour walking one way, admiring the windows of shops and restaurants, go to a trendy gallery and maybe buy a souvenir as a memento of the trip, and then buy a take-away coffee or some soft drink and turn into one of the dozens of alleys. Just a couple of steps aside and you'll find yourself in a completely different world, which is alien to the noise of cars and loud voices, the world of flower pots, colorful shutters and parked bicycles. Serenity and comfort hang in the winding narrow aisles between stone houses. 

In this area, pay attention to the art gallery La Caixa, or rather its building. The building is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first luxury hotel in Mallorca was located here in 1903, and eventually the hotel closed and the building collapsed. In 1993, the Modern Art Foundation restored this magnificent example of Art Nouveau architecture and gave it its name. The hotel now houses an art gallery and a large bookstore dedicated to art and design. The shop sells books in different languages, including English, and you can find very valuable copies. 

If you are looking for an information centre, you will find it in a few steps from the boulevard at Plaça de la Reina, 2. In the centre you can take a map of the city and islands, as well as see the options for excursions and entertainment.

Plaça de Cort and the Ajuntament de Palma

If locals need to make an appointment, they will most likely point to Piazza Cort, which is literally a 10-minute walk from Boulevard Paseo del Born. On the square there is the City Council building, near which there are benches, cafes and restaurants, where guests and residents can relax. Despite the fact that it is one of the central squares, it is quite quiet. High-profile events are held on public holidays or during official ceremonies, when the balconies of the City Council look out and are addressed in the crowd.

Church of St. Eulália (Parròquia de Santa Eulàlia)

Another interesting architectural landmark is the Church of St. Eulalia, which was erected in the 13th century, when the Arab city at that time was captured by Spanish troops and the construction of Christian temples, including this one, began on the mosque sites. The building was rebuilt more than once and in the 19th century it acquired the features of the Neo-Gothic style - openwork towers of light stone, carved gables, sculptures of gargoyles, basilisks, dragons, symbolizing the struggle between good and evil. The Neo-Gothic elements are diluted with a rococo altar depicting St. Eulalia, surrounded by Faith and Hope.

The Church of St. Francis Sant Francesc

A couple of minutes walk down a narrow street from the Cathedral of St. Eulalia and you will see another architectural pride of the city - St. Francis Cathedral. The building began to be built in 1281 and the work lasted for 100 years. Later most of the facade was broken by lightning, the cathedral was reconstructed and it acquired a modern look. The building is quite modest, but it contrasts with the general simplicity of a Baroque portal decorated with numerous sculptures of saints. Above the portal there is a window of rose, which reminds us of the Gothic period of the church, while above we see a portico which pushes thoughts of neoclassicism.

St. Mary's Cathedral, Palm Cathedral or La Seu (Catedral de Santa Maria)

Palma de Majorca's most spectacular landmark, the Cathedral, is located on the coast. The Cathedral is monumental - its height is 44 m and length is 120. The official name of the cathedral is the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin Mary, but it is also called Palma Cathedral or La Seu. Another name: the Cathedral of the Holy Communion, the sea, light and space. The first look at the building reveals where the name comes from, as it stands by the sea and is literally filled with light. Sun rays penetrate through numerous lancet windows, as well as through the window-rose, one of the largest in the world.

Construction of the cathedral began in 1229 and lasted for 400 years. The names of the architects are unknown, but as a result of their work the building has brightly expressed Gothic features: narrow windows, stained-glass windows (in the decoration of which Gaudi himself took part), cross vault supported by columns and a huge organ.

Royal Palace of Almudaina (Palau Reial de l’Almudaina)

One of the most beautiful buildings in Palma Majorca is located near the sea and gives the city a very solemn appearance. The first government buildings on this place were built back in the 9th century under the Arab rule. And this palace was erected in the 11th century and later was repeatedly rebuilt. Today part of the buildings of the palace complex belongs to the ruling family of Spain and it is the place where King Philip VI and Queen Letizia stay when they come to Mallorca. The other part is owned by the National Museum, which displays many exhibits that tell the story of the island. 

On one side of the palace there is the Royal Garden, decorated with flower beds, lawns and fountains. On the other side there are Arab baths, which are not really Arab but Turkish, but for some reason the name has taken root. To get to the baths, you need to go through a stone portal to a small hall decorated with 12 columns that hold a brick dome. These baths functioned many centuries ago, but today only ruins are left of them.

Bellver Castle and the observation deck

This point of the route can be postponed for a separate day, because it is located 3 km from the city center, you can get there on foot in an hour, by car in 15 minutes. The castle is not worth the trip for architectural delights, although it is the only round-shaped fort in Spain, which does not make it more beautiful. Nevertheless, for many years the castle served its purpose - to protect the city from the sea and also served as a military prison. Today there is no one to defend against, so people come here in search of beautiful views and find them. The castle's observation deck overlooks the seaside areas of Palma de Mallorca as well as the port with its moored yachts, ferries and cruise ships. 

Palma de Majorca embankment

The promenade of Mallorca Palma stretches for 10 km along the coast. It is slightly different from our usual promenades because it lies along the port and has no direct access to the sea. It is possible to look at yachts swaying on the waves, but it is already difficult to touch the water. However, you can reach the nearest beach in half an hour, so it is not a problem. The promenade is tiled and there are also bicycle lanes along the promenade, as bikes and mopeds are the most popular means of transport on the narrow streets of Mallorca. Dozens of restaurants and cafes with outdoor terraces await guests from early morning until late night.