Palma de Mallorca old town – the historic center

As one of the most beautiful parts of the capital of Mallorca, Palma de Mallorca old town offers you plenty of opportunities to visit popular locations and famous buildings. If you want, you can discover the old town with a pleasant walk along the main and side streets, and you can follow our list of must-see attractions.

Whether you’re a fan of culture and art, nightlife, delicious food, or a tour of historic buildings, Palma de Mallorca old town can find just the right place to suit your taste. Cultural and historical sights are beautiful to tourists because they convey the unique spirit of the island’s traditions and past times.

This area is ideal for enjoying the city’s authentic architecture and pleasant atmosphere, with the opportunity to try the most delicious traditional dishes of the island. In the following text, discover some of the best ideas for visiting Palma de Mallorca old town with which you can create unforgettable memories on this beautiful island.

Discover the old town of Palma de Mallorca

Palma de Mallorca old town offers its visitors a unique experience of culture, history, and gastronomy. You can spend your free time in the capital in many exciting ways, discovering numerous pearls of cultural and historical importance and numerous attractions worth visiting.

Palma de Mallorca is the island’s capital, which, in addition to beautiful beaches for maximum relaxation, is also characterized by tourist attractions, and the city is one of the best cities to live in on the island. This is evidenced by the fact that many people decide to rent or buy a villa in Palma de Mallorca.

What awaits you when you arrive in Palma de Mallorca old town is the following:

• Churches, cathedrals, palaces, and monuments of historical importance
• Numerous museums, art galleries, and exhibitions
• First-class restaurants with local specialties
• Bars, cafes, and nightclubs
• Shops and boutiques
• Luxury hotels and accommodations: boarding houses, hostels, apartments, and the like

In Palma de Mallorca old town, you can visit traditional squares, Gothic churches, and centuries-old architecture. If you are looking for the perfect antique item, you can find many antique shops here, as well as specialty shops with handicrafts and other goods.

For lovers of antique and unique furniture, there are also furniture and home decoration stores. Some of the most beautiful storefronts in the city can be found right along the “Golden Mile”, an ideal place for walking and discovering historical buildings as well as many interesting shops.

Of course, your tour of Palma de Mallorca old town will be complemented by delicious Mediterranean specialties in one of the authentic restaurants and cafes that offer typical local products. You can also taste the best domestically produced wines and traditional products, such as different types of sausages, snacks, and tapas.

During a break from sightseeing in Palma de Mallorca old town, you can rest in the pleasant atmosphere of one of the hotels. Some of the best are found in this area of Palma, which primarily describes excellent service, superior accommodation, and a fantastic location, close to many important facilities and attractions.

One way to get an exciting tour of the old town is by bike, as there are numerous bike paths for cycling enthusiasts.

Sights and objects in Palma de Mallorca old town

Palma de Mallorca is a city that is considered the tourist and historical center of the island of Mallorca, in addition to being the main port and main port of the Balearic Islands. With a history dating back to the Roman conquests of 123 BC, Palma is one of the oldest cities in Europe.

Today, Palma de Mallorca is a highly visited tourist city, a favorite among tourists who decide to vacation on one of the islands in the Mediterranean. Its primary historical center is the old town, where most of the city’s visitors are directed.

In the old town, you can see authentic cobblestones, streets and boulevards, numerous small squares, and cultural monuments. The main cathedral is also located in this part of the city of Palma, along with the Almudena Palace, the Arab baths, and many important historical buildings.

If you find yourself in the capital of Mallorca and are not sure what to visit, we have prepared several popular cultural and historical attractions in Palma de Mallorca old town for you.

Almudena Palace

At Palau Reial s/n. 07001 Palma de Mallorca, there is the Almudena Palace, which, together with the Cathedral of Palma, form the city’s main sights. From this part of the city, where the Almudena palace is located, which today houses a museum, there is a wonderful view of the city embankment.

This palace is located in Palma de Mallorca old town, opposite the Cathedral of La Seu, and is also called the Royal Palace of Almudain (Palacio Real de La Almudain). It was built in the 13th century, in 1281. Previously, the Arab fortress Alcazar was located in its place, representing the king’s residence, which is why it is called the Royal Palace.

Mark Palace

Another impressive building is located at Carrer del Palau Reial, 18, 07001 Palma.

This palace is also called The Palace of Darkness, i.e., “Palau March”, and it got its name from the fact that it once served as the residence of the Markov family. Today it is one of the most luxurious villas in the capital of Mallorca.

Today, this important building houses the Parliament of the Balearic Islands. In Palau March, you can visit a museum with an extensive collection of works of art, such as paintings and sculptures, and a reconstructed part of the palace.

From the magnificent large open terrace, there is a wonderful view of Palma de Mallorca old town.

Royal Gardens

In Palma de Mallorca old town, there are also the Royal Gardens, once the gardens of the famous Almudena Palace.

Today it is a public park that is a favorite place for rest for tourists and residents. Here you can see lush vegetation, many spots for relaxation, and unique sculptures and Arabic-style fountains.

These beautiful gardens are also known as Parc Hort del Rey and often just Parc Rey. The local name is also Jardines de S’Hort del Rei.

Cathedral of Palma

In Palma de Mallorca old town there is also the pearl of the city’s Gothic architecture, the cathedral called La Seu. The cathedral is also known as the Cathedral of Santa Maria (Catedral de Santa María de Palma de Mallorca).

It is located in an exceptional location, at Plaza de la Almoina S/N 07001 Palma de Mallorca. This magnificent cathedral in Palma was built between 1230 and 1630 on the site of a former Arab mosque, and today it is one of the main attractions of Palma de Mallorca.

This cathedral is characterized by various artists and architects working on it, including Antonio Gaudi. In the 20th century, he changed the cathedral’s interior significantly, adapting it to liturgical purposes. The cathedral is characterized by the change in styles throughout history, as well as the mixing of different influences from the architecture of Europe.

The best time to visit this cathedral is in the early morning when you can enjoy the spectacle provided by the sun’s rays illuminating the large rose window. Many tourists gather here precisely to witness this unique sight in the Cathedral of Palma. From its terraces, you can see the panorama of the Mediterranean Sea.

La Seu Square (Placa De La Seu), where there are many historic buildings, is located to the north in relation to the cathedral of the same name. This Gothic cathedral, with a central nave about 44 m high, is the largest in Europe. You can visit the cathedral for a small fee.

Arab baths

Palma de Mallorca old town has another historical monument of the island, one of the oldest and most significant. It is about the Arab baths located at Carrer de Can Serra, 7.

Banys arabs de Palma, as these Arab baths are otherwise called, are an exceptional example of Muslim-style architecture in Mallorca. It is known that at the beginning, there were as many as five or more Arab baths. Today they have been turned into a museum and can be visited with an entrance fee.

Arab baths belong to the rarely preserved monuments of Muslim architecture in the capital city of Palma. Another popular among them is the arch located in Almudena Street (Carrer de l’Almudaina).

Today, only a part of this historical monument has been preserved, and the building consists of several interior rooms and entrances. Within the Arab Baths, there is also a part called the Caldarium, which is intended for hot baths.

Basilica of St. Francis

In Palma de Mallorca old town, there is another important building, the Basilica of St. Francis, at Plaça de Sant Francesc, 7.

The Basílica de Sant Francesc is distinctive for being built in the traditional Mallorcan style, with a large wall built of sandstone, with a rose window in the middle, and impressive carvings. There is also a landscaped courtyard in the basilica complex.

The basilica’s facade dates back to the 13th century, and after being damaged by a lightning strike in the 17th century, it was restored. Inside the church is the grave of the hermit Ramon Lulli. In the immediate vicinity of the basilica, there is a statue of the missionary Fra Junipero Serra.

St. Eulalia’s Church

At the address Placa de Santa Eulalia, 2, in Palma de Mallorca old town, St. Eulalia’s Church (Iglesia de Santa Eulalia). This church is one of the most important buildings and one of Palma’s oldest Catholic churches.

The history of this vital church dates back to the 13th century, and the high Neo-Gothic bell tower was built in the 19th century. Apart from that detail, the church belongs to the Gothic style of architecture. When it comes to its interior, the church is characterized by an altar in the Baroque style, the author of which was Alberto de Burguni. Also, the side chapels and works of art from the 15th century are an interesting part.

Es-Baluard museum

Palma de Mallorca old town is distinguished by a rich offer of museums and galleries that you can visit if you are an art lover. One of the most famous museums is Es Baluard, which offers some of the greatest works of contemporary conceptual art. It is located at Plaza Porta de Santa Catalina, 10.

This contemporary art museum was once the bastion of San Pedro. The structure of today’s museum or bastion was built from 1575 to 1578 to support the defensive wall in the area of the old town of Palma. It served as a building for observing the city as well as for additional protection.

The old bastion includes a restaurant and a panoramic terrace, and it also houses an exceptional museum of modern art, Es Baluard. On certain days, it is possible to visit parts of the museum, as well as its external rooms and terrace, completely free of charge.

Can Corbell Building and St. Domingo Street

In the old town of Palma, there is the building Can Corbell, also known as Can Corbella, which belongs to some of the authentic structures in the historic part of Palma de Mallorca. It is located between two streets, i.e., at the corner of St. Domingo Street and Court Square.

Architect Nikola Literas is responsible for constructing this famous building in Palma, which has five floors and one tower. The construction of the building was commissioned by the prominent Corbell family.

The architecture of the Can Corbell building is characterized by the Spanish-Moorish style, also called the neo-Mudejar style. It is characterized by a combination of Christian ornaments and Arabic elements.

Olivar Market

In Palma de Mallorca old town, there is also the Olivar market, known as Mercat de l’Olivar. This is also the largest market in the whole city and is located at Plaça de l’Olivar, 4.

As the main covered market, Olivar market is also equipped with other facilities such as cafes, restaurants, and the Mercadona supermarket, located on the ground floor. The market was built in the Mediterranean style in 1951, and it got a large hall after the renovation.

At the market, you can find stalls with different goods, such as:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Seafood and fish
• Meat, poultry
• Cheeses
• Sausages

Born Boulevard

Boulevard Born, or Paseo del Born, is one of the most popular and frequented streets in the old town of Palma, and it is also one of the largest boulevards. It consists of a seating area and a pedestrian zone in the central part, as well as two lanes suitable for traffic, one of which also functions as a pedestrian zone.

On both sides, you can see a series of historic buildings along the boulevard that house many restaurants, shops, boutiques, cafes, and other facilities. Popular places on the boulevard are the cinema Born, as well as the Casal Solleric palace, in rococo style. The boulevard is decorated with sphinx sculptures on the side facing the Royal Square.

At the very end of the boulevard is Juan Carlos I Square, a square where there is a tall obelisk made of two parts connected by turtles. That is why the square is also called Turtle Square. Nearby is Jaime III Avenue, one of the most important streets of Palma.

Theater Principal

Theater Principal is located in Palma de Mallorca old town, at Carrer de la Riera, 2. This theater is the main theater in Palma that is still active today and was built in 1667. It was then called Casa de les Comedias and had room for up to 800 visitors.

The theater’s rich history includes both fire damage and subsequent restoration. Also, the scene has been expanded and further adjusted.

Paseo Sagrera

Paseo Sagrera is a picturesque street along the Paseo Maritimo boulevard that stretches along the seafront. It stretches for 500 m, all the way from Maura Avenue to Riera Creek.

This street is one of the most famous and is also home to the famous La Lonja building, another significant Gothic-style building in Mallorca. The La Lonja building is open to visitors only in case of exhibitions and cultural events.

Along Paseo Sagrera Street, there is also the Consulado del Mar, which has been the seat of the Balearic Government since 1983. There are also workspaces, offices, and works of art, and the building can be toured in case of public events.

Gate to the city

In the eastern part of Palma de Mallorca old town, there used to be the gate of the town of Gumara (Torres de Gumara), i.e., the fortress of the same name. The two towers at the entrance were also part of the fortress built between 902 and 1231, that is, in the Moorish period.

After the Catalan conquest of the island, King Jaume I handed over the city of Gumara to the Templars, who built the gates, and they have since been known as Temple Castle or Temple House, or Torres del Temple. In 2005, the Gumara Fortress was declared an object of cultural importance, and the City Council of Palma bought it in order to prevent its conversion into apartments.

Bishop’s Palace

In the historically significant part of the city, Palma de Mallorca old town, there is the Bishop’s Palace which dates back to the 13th century, from the establishment of the bishopric and the first bishop of Mallorca, Ramon de Torrella. The address of the palace is Carrer del Mirador, 5 (Palau Episcopal) 07001 Palma.

The palace is a mixture of different styles, the main one being Gothic. Within the palace, there is also a courtyard where you can see the Sacred Heart of Jesus monument. Inside the palace, there is also the Diocesan Museum of Christian Art of Mallorca, which is called Museu Diocesa.

In the museum, you can view numerous collections, such as archaeological collections, ethnographic art, and decorative art. Most of the collections are mainly of religious importance. The interior is decorated with Gothic arches and stained glass, which is the work of Antoni Gaudí.

Mallorca Museum

Palma de Mallorca old town is home to the Mallorca Museum, which is another must-see for art lovers. It is located at Calle de la Portella, 5.

The building has retained its pentagonal structure since its Baroque period, and in the 19th century, it underwent specific changes, but the Gothic elements were retained. Today, this museum is owned by the state, and is located in the Ca la Gran Cristiana building, which was built in 1634. The city council of Palma bought the museum in 1971.

Santa Clara Monastery

Another historically significant building in Palma de Mallorca old town is the Santa Clara Monastery, at Carrer de Can Fonollar, 2.

This monastery’s history dates back to the 13th century, from the reign of King Jaime I of Aragon. The main building within the monastery was built on the remains of a former Muslim sanctuary. Later, over the centuries, it changed and expanded its area so that it now also includes nearby buildings.

Today, the monastery is a complex of buildings, with the central place occupied by the church of Santa Clara. Floral motifs, the main entrance, and the square bell tower characterize the church.

Palma Town Hall and Court Square

At the address Plaça de Cort, 1 is Palma City Hall, located in Palma de Mallorca old town.

Palma City Hall is located on the city’s busiest square, Plaza de Cort. This substantial building is also known as the Ayuntamiento de Palma de Mallorca and is situated on three floors. It was built in the 17th century by architects Bartomeu Calafat, Pere Baucha, and Michele Oliver. The facade is in the Baroque style, with elements of Gothic and Mannerism.