The Mediterranean allure of Palma de Mallorca comes from the diversity of its attractions. Whether it’s Gothic architecture or great food, the Old Town in Palma de Mallorca is the place for cultural connoisseurs and leisurely adventurers alike. This destination has something for everyone. It is a town that needs to be experienced to properly understand why holidays in Mallorca are amongst the most exciting and fascinating in southern Europe. Although we can only give a taste of the treats it offers, these are a few of the highlights.
Santa Catalina
Santa Catalina is a fascinating part of the Old Town, known for its respect for tradition and the opportunities it gives independent shops. While originally it was an old fishing barrio, today it boasts great restaurants with fresh food, an indoor market and an array of enigmatic bars and cafes. Filled with mansions and leafy streets, this is a beautiful part of town.
Es Baluard
Palma de Mallorca might be a city wreathed in medieval aesthetics, but it is also open to the modern. Es Baluard is an exquisite contemporary art gallery which, despite opening as recently as 2004, has already made its mark on the cultural horizons of the town. By focusing on Balearic artists, it has quickly become an integral part of any Palma de Mallorca museum experience. It also features work from the legendary Picasso and Magritte, as well as regional favourite Miquel Barceló.
La Seu
Last is possibly the most iconic building in the town: the fourteenth-century cathedral of La Seu. It sits as a striking monument to the arresting Gothic style, but rendered in the orange rock typical of the Balearic Islands. Not only is it remarkable to look at, La Seu will also hold the attention of keen historians too: it was built to honour King Jaume I, who drove Moorish invaders off the island.
It is best seen in the morning sun, when the rays of light illuminate the 61 stained-glass windows that line the cathedral. That is the moment when La Seu’s nickname, the Cathedral of Light, becomes delightfully accurate.
Where to Stay
The Old Town has many fine hotels to choose from, but the Santa Clara Hotel & Spa is possibly the best place from which to explore the treasures of Palma de Mallorca. This hotel is a perfect combination of contemporary functionality and timeworn architectural splendour. For those searching for unique accommodation during any upcoming holidays in Mallorca, we don’t think there is any place better.
John Dixon is an experienced world traveller and the Managing Director of Prestige Holidays. For over 30 years, he has been providing luxury holidays in Mallorca, Bermuda, Croatia and many other destinations around the globe. John tries to visit each of the destinations regularly in order to ensure the quality of his properties, and stay up-to-date about the latest local news and events. He has a taste for the finer things in life and has an interest in arts, history and culture.
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