Palma de Mallorca
Culture & Heritage

Explora la cultura de Palma de Mallorca: Tradición viva

Sumérgete en la rica historia y cultura de Palma de Mallorca a través de sus museos y monumentos.

City
3 days
Spain
City: Palma de Mallorca

Palma, the elegant capital of the Balearic Islands, is a city that captivates with its impressive bay and its majestic Gothic cathedral dominating the skyline.A labyrinth of cobblestone streets in its old town reveals stately courtyards, art galleries and charming boutiques, while its vibrant Paseo Marítimo and neighborhoods like Santa Catalina bustle with life.Palma is the perfect symbiosis between a rich historical legacy and a sophisticated Mediterranean lifestyle, being the gateway to the famous coves and the Tramuntana Mountains.

Recommended stay: 3 days
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Palma de Mallorca
Cultura

Culture & Heritage

Discover the rich history, art and traditions of Palma de Mallorca

90/100cultural rating

A vibrant cultural scene with great artists linked to the island such as Joan Miró and a rich local tradition.

Best of local culture

Fundació Miró Mallorca, an essential museum.It is Baluard, an excellent museum of modern and contemporary art.Numerous art galleries and cultural centers.The Cathedral (La Seu) is one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in the world.Bellver Castle is a unique example of a circular castle in Europe.La Lonja de Palma, a masterpiece of civil Gothic.

Museums & Galleries

Bellver Castle

A unique circular castle in Europe.Surrounded by a forest, it offers the best panoramic views of Palma.

Royal Palace of La Almudaina

Former Muslim fortress and current official residence of the Kings on the island.It is located right in front of the Cathedral.

La Llotja

A jewel of civil Gothic, a former merchants' college.Its interior with helical columns is spectacular.Today it hosts exhibitions.

Old Town

A labyrinth of narrow, quiet streets, with stately courtyards, Gothic churches, Arab baths and endless charming shops and cafes.

Festivals & Events

Palma Spring Festival

April

Annual celebration that marks the start of the tourist season in Palma.

Palma's White Night

September

A special night where museums and monuments open their doors for free.

Historia

History

Origins

Founded as the Roman colony of Palmaria Palmensis in 123 BC.After the fall of the Roman Empire, it passed through Vandal and Byzantine hands before entering its splendor Islamic period as 'Medina Mayurqa'.

Development

In 1229, it was conquered by Jaume I of Aragon, becoming a prosperous commercial center in the Mediterranean and capital of the Kingdom of Mallorca.Its great Gothic monuments date from this period: the Cathedral (La Seu), the Almudaina Palace and the Lonja.

Modern era

Starting in the 1960s, the tourism boom transformed Palma and the entire island into one of the most important holiday destinations in the world.Today, it is a cosmopolitan and vibrant city, the economic and cultural capital of the Balearic Islands, which has managed to preserve its immense heritage.

Ratings

Scores by category

Culture

90

A vibrant cultural scene with great artists linked to the island such as Joan Miró and a rich local tradition.

Fundació Miró Mallorca, an essential museum.It is Baluard, an excellent museum of modern and contemporary art.Numerous art galleries and cultural centers.

Heritage

90

A strategic port and capital of a Mediterranean kingdom for centuries, with a monumental legacy that attests to it.

Capital of the historic Kingdom of Mallorca.Its cathedral and market are witnesses of its commercial power in the Middle Ages.Roman, Islamic and Christian traces in its urban fabric.

Architecture

95

An architectural treasure dominated by the Catalan Gothic of its Cathedral and its Lonja, and dotted with modernism and stately patios.

The Cathedral (La Seu) is one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in the world.Bellver Castle is a unique example of a circular castle in Europe.La Lonja de Palma, a masterpiece of civil Gothic.
Some coastal development in the bay lacks architectural interest.
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Consejos

Tips for Culture & Heritage

Discover the Patios

Many of the large mansions in the old town hide spectacular patios.Some can be visited and the City Council organizes thematic routes.

Sunset in Portixol

Instead of the busy centre, walk or cycle along the promenade east to the old fishing port of Portixol.It is the perfect place to watch the sunset with views of the cathedral from one of its many terraces.

The Rhythm of the Island

Although Palma is an active city, life in general has a more relaxed pace.Don't stress if the service is slower than other places.

Maximum Sun Protection

The sun is very strong on the island, even on cloudy days.The use of sunscreen, hat and sunglasses is essential.

Tap Water

Tap water is drinkable, but has a high lime content and a very strong taste.Almost everyone, locals included, drinks bottled water.

Beware of Theft

As in any major tourist destination, keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas such as downtown, the airport and beaches.

Common Scams

Be careful with 'trileros' (ball game) and other street scams in very touristy areas.

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Quick info

Country
Spain
Region
balearic islands

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