Palma de Mallorca- Seeing the Sights

Last time on Do Spain we looked at Puerto de Pollença, a quiet seaside town on the north west coast of the island, perfect for a relaxing holiday soaking up the rays away from the crowds generally found in the South. But of course there is more to Mallorca than beaches. Today I want to talk about Palma, the island´s capital and historical, artistic and cultural centre.

The old quarter is an enchanting blend of tree-lined boulevards and winding cobbled streets, Gothic churches and baroque palaces, and private courtyards and stylish bars.

 

Central Palma is especially known for these elegant courtyards, called patios, belonging to the many noble houses. Many are private but you can often peek in through a grill or gateway.  

  I´ve picked just the main sights to see if you´ve only got a day or so to spend here:

Palma´s vast Cathedral (La Seu; Carrer del Palau Reial 9; adult/child €4/3; h10am-5.15pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat) is visible on approaching the city. The site originally housed the main mosque but the construction of the cathedral began in 1300 and was completed in 1601. Mainly Gothic except for the main façade (replaced after an earthquake in 1851) and parts of the interior (renovated in Modernista style by Antoni Gaudí at the beginning of the 20thcentury).

The interiors are stunning and along with Gaudi´s eccentric front altar centerpiece Miquel Barceló´s reworking of the Capella del Santíssim I Sant Pere, draws attention- a ceramic rendition of the miracle of the loaves and fishes.

 These modest remains of Arab baths - Banys Àrabs (Carrer de Serra 7; adult/child €12/free; 9am-7.30pm) are one of the few reminders that once the Muslims dominated the island. There are two small underground chambers supported by dozens of columns. 

 

One of the many art museums is the prestigious Museu d’Art Espanyol Contemporani or Museum of Contemporary Spanish Art (Museu Fundació Juan March; www.march.es/ arte/palma; Carrer de Sant Miquel 11; h10am-6.30pm Mon-Fri, 10.30am-2pm Sat) On display are approximately 70 permanent pieces held by the Fundación Juan March.  All the famous 20^th century artists can be found here including Picasso, Miró, Dalí etc.

Can Marquès (Carrer de Ca’n Angluda 2A; adult/child €6/5;h10am-3pm Mon-Fri, 11am-2pm Sat) is an exquisitely furnished mansion, the only one of its kind in Mallorca. It has elements of Gothic, Baroque and Modernista influences and gives a fascinating insight into how the wealthy lived at the time of the turn of the 20^th century.

There are various churches of course, two of the oldest being Basílica de Sant Francesc and Església de Santa Eulàlia 

If you thought Mallorca was just sun, sea and sand then I hope I´ve convinced you otherwise and you consider a visit to the capital during your holiday on the island!

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