Extensive information
Handy tips
The best destinations
Palme de Mallorca is a gorgeous city and rivals Barcelona with its spectacular Modernist architecture, picturesque port, rich cultural history and burgeoning food scene. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to visit during your stay! It is worth spending at least a couple of days exploring the city, but if you only have the day, then this is the article for you. We have chosen our 5 favourite historical sites in Palma, which you can cover during a daytrip. They give you a condensed overview of the city’s fascinating past and ensure you make the most of your trip.
.jpg)
Palma’s enormous cathedral is one of the largest in Europe, dominating the city and the harbour with its fantastic flying buttresses and neo-Gothic splendour. It was built on the site of the main mosque of the capital of Muslim Mallorca, after the conquest of the island by Jaume I in 1229. Work started in 1300 and was not completed until 1601! The result was a Gothic building with Renaissance flourishes, which was sadly badly damaged during an earthquake in 1851. The restoration of this spectacular monument gave it its present neo-Gothic flair with striking flying buttresses and pinnacles. Equally impressive is its interior with features designed by Antoni Gaudí and Miquel Barceló. Entrance to the cathedral costs €8 for adults and is free for children. It is possible to book online and you may have to queue for entrance, but it is worth the wait!
A former Islamic fort, Palau de l’Almudaina is an official royal residence of the King of Spain. It is worth visiting for its rich history, lavish interiors and fantastic vies over the bay. The Islamic fort was built on top of an existing Roman fort, which was then completely transformed again after the conquest of Mallorca in 1229. The fort once had an enormous main hall used of banqueting and ceremonies by the Muslim governors of Mallorca, which was split into two floors and several rooms. You can clearly see where the once tall gothic windows have been split by the new floor as you make your way through the palace. It is well worth getting the audio guide in addition to your entry ticket or going on a guided tour to truly appreciate the history of the building. Tickets cost €7 for adults and €4 (free for under 5s) for children, with an additional cost of €4 for a guided tour.
.jpg)
This one of Palma’s oldest churches and it is a beauty! Its Baroque façade and rose window are very impressive and well worth taking the time to examine. The church was built from 1281 and has a Gothic vaulted interior with many splendid baroque touches, such as the altar. Its Gothic cloister is two-tiered and trapezoid in design and is a peaceful oasis in the bustling city. One of Mallorca’s favourite sons is also buried in the church – Ramon Llull. Llull is credited with being the creator of literary Catalan and was a renowned evangelist. His 13th century alabaster tomb can be found to the right side of the church. There are campaigns to have him canonised and you can contribute to the fund! There is no entrance fee and your visit can easily take in a few of the nearby ornate patios (see below).
This cultural centre and gallery is housed in the former Grand Hotel, a fabulous architectural gem of the Spanish Modernisme school. It was Mallorca’s first such example of the style and was built between 1900 and 1903 by Lluís Domènech i Montaner. More firsts accompany this great building as it was the first in the city with electricity and a lift! Today it is owned by La Caixa, one of Spain’s largest building societies. It houses a permanent collection of paintings by Hermenegildo Anglada Camarasa, has temporary exhibitions, concerts, a book shop and a café. Pop in and enjoy a coffee in the Modernisme ambiance and if you want some fantastic tapas afterwards, head to La Rosa Vermuteria and Colmado across the square.
.jpg)
Palma is an ancient city and one of the best ways to get a glimpse into its past is to explore the winding streets of the Old Town. Along the way you will come across handsome patrician houses from the medieval period onwards where the nobility of the city were based. Many of them have a ‘patis’ or patio where guests were received and carriages unloaded their passengers. Behind iron gates you can see the remaining examples with their graceful designs. Most have arches and Ionic columns with plenty of greenery and an elegant staircase into the interior of the building. Unfortunately, few of them are open to the public, but half the fun is seeking them out yourself in the backstreets! If you want a more structured experience, there are many tour companies offering routes through the Old Town.
One of our favourite tour companies is Mallorca Free Tour. As the name suggests they provide free tours of the Old Town from Monday to Saturday at 11 am and 5 pm. You simply meet them outside the tourist office at Parc de la Mar – there is no need to book. The knowledgeable guides are passionate about the city and its history and will ensure that you have a fun and memorable tour. Explore the secrets of the city, find out all about the Mallorcan lifestyle and visit the sites above and more! You can make the most of your time in the city with Mallorca Free Tour and gain some useful tips for the rest of your stay.