Passionate About Palma

Travel blogger Ross Fraser, who has 20+ years experience of visiting Mallorca, shares his favorite things to see and do in the island’s capital city.

Palma at night

Written by Ross Fraser

Palma, the capital of Mallorca, is a European city that can beat many tourist cities hands down. Small enough to navigate your way around easily, but big enough to keep you entertained for a long weekend to a week.

To many people Mallorca is synonymous with drunken sun-burnt tourists and cheap package holidays. But step away from the mega resorts of Magaluf and Palma Nova and you will find the capital of Mallorca. Palma is a city with thousands of years of history and tradition but also grown up and modern. This blend of old and new has created a vibrant, cultural melting pot that is fascinating to explore and will leave you wanting to come back again and again.

As a weekend break spot Palma has many things to do on the ‘tourist trail’ – both the old Palma and the new Palma. Some you will know, some you may not, but they are all worth seeing if you get the chance to visit it.

Old Palma

Palma is layered with hundreds of years of history as the city changed hands from different civilizations. In order to get a better understanding of who lived here there are three places that you must see.

Banys Arabs

Situated in the gardens of Can Fontirroig in the Can Serra (near the cathedral) the Banys Arabs (Literally Arab Baths) are one of the few remaining examples of Moorish culture preserved on the island and also the single most important monument to Muslim domination of the island. The baths are made up of a square room with 12 columns which was originally used for hot baths. Build in the XI century and only remain in part – the cold baths no longer exist and it is suggested that the baths originally formed part of a Moorish palace.

Llotja Exchange

This now somewhat weather beaten 15th century Gothic building was originally built as the merchant house and stock exchange and turned Mallorca into a booming profitable island. Now the building stands testament to a bygone era and houses the odd exhibition into the bargain.

La Seu

You can’t come to Palma and not see the cathedral; it is one of the most striking buildings in the city. Construction of this stunning building started in the 13th century and took around 300 years to build. Predominately a Gothic building in design – however the main facade was replaced in 1851 after an earthquake. In 1903 to 1914 Gaudi carried out a number of renovations to La Seu opening up windows and adding new stained glass. The outcome of all this has created a hybrid of Renaissance and Gothic elements which mixed in with modern design create a striking and a must see piece of religious architecture.

Contemporary Palma

Spain to me is as much about art as it is history and the contemporary art movement has long been a key element in the success of many artists in Mallorca and across Spain. Thankfully Palma is blessed with a number of contemporary art venues that you should try and visit when you are there.

Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation in Mallorca

You cannot think of modern art without thinking of Joan Miró. And Son Abrines just outside Cala Major was the final home for Joan and his wife from 1956 until his death. Following his death, The Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation was the result of Joan Miró’s last will. This really is a truly magical place and one that cannot be missed from a visit to Palma.

Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum

Es Baluard (named so because of the ship yard that once stood there) now houses a contemporary gallery. The design of the building is one of the most striking things about it, rising like a concrete phoenix from the remains of previous buildings that once stood there. This gallery houses a collection of local Mallorcan work as well as work from a number of key 20th century including Rene Magritte, Oskar Kokoschka and Edouard Vuillard.

Museu d’Art Espanyol Contemporani – Fundacion Juan March

This is a great place to visit to get a true understanding of what Spain has given to contemporary art. There is a permanent collection of around 70 notable pieces from a selection of 20th century artists – Including Salvador Dali, Joan Miró and Pablo Picasso.

It’s easy to think of Spain and immediately think of Barcelona and Madrid, but Palma really is a fantastic city break destination and one that will always have a special place in my heart!

Find more information at:
Pilar and Joan Miro Foundation
Es Baluard Contemporary Art Museum
Museu d’Art Espanyol Contemporani – Fundacion Juan March

Ross Fraser is a travel blogger who runs his own blog Europe Traveller. He is also extremely passionate about Majorca from his 20+ years of visiting the island. You can learn more about Palma on his site.