National Geographic Traveller (UK)
HISTORICAL WONDERS OF PALMA
The Majorcan capital isn’t short of historical sights. Here are four must-see attractions to explore on foot
Royal Palace of La Almudaina
Opposite the cathedral is the 13th-century Royal Palace of La Almudaina, an imposing fortified castle built on an Arabian fort. Rising up from the Bay of Palma, the building formed the seat of the independent kingdom of Majorca until it became part of the kingdom of Aragon under King Pedro IV. The palace site includes a rectangular tower, courtyards and the Santa Ana Royal Chapel. It’s currently the official residence of the King and Queen of Spain.
Plaza Mayor
At the heart of Palma’s Old Town is Plaza Mayor, a large open area built on the site of the San Felipe Neri Convent. The seat of the 1838 Spanish Inquisition, it’s home to shops, art galleries, restaurants and an artisanal market. Look out for dancing, drumming and other street performances — the square is the starting point for the feast day of Sant Sebastià in January and is home to several lively festivals and concerts throughout the year.
Palma Cathedral
A short walk from Palacio Can Marques, Palma’s gothic cathedral is an essential stop on any tour. Known as La Seu, it was built on the site of a Moorish mosque and took 600 years to complete. It includes one of the world’s largest rose windows, with over 1,000 pieces of glass, plus 20th-century elements by Antoni Gaudí. Twice a year, La Seu opens early for the ‘spectacle of the eight’, when the sun creates an ‘eight’ shape underneath the smaller rose window.
Palacio Can Marques
The Palacio Can Marques is an 18thcentury palace-turned five-star boutique hotel. It retains antique floor-to-ceiling windows and original doors and beams, alongside modern touches. It’s divided into 13 unique suites, the jewel of which is The Riad, the largest in Palma, with 360-degree views from its tower bedroom. Don’t miss the tranquil garden, or head straight to the rooftop terrace for cocktails with magnificent views of the city and cathedral.