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A
seductive sea-front city stretching the length of
its fabulous yacht harbour. Submerge yourself in
the historical gothic quarter, strolling around
the narrow, shaded streets crammed with countless
bars and restaurants.
The stylish and sophisicated city
of Palma, capital of Mallorca, is home to half the
islands population and yet has retained a friendly
village atmosphere. Recently voted in a
spanish poll The Most Pleasant City To Live
in Spain, Palma is fast becoming a popular
destination for both national and international
tourists alike, reknowned for its vibrant
nightlife, cosmopolitan shopping centre and fascinating
old town. The city is dominated by the
magnificent sea-front cathedral
as it rises majestically from the gothic
quarter, a maze of narrow streets sprinkled
with bars and restaurants, art galleries, museums tucked into corners
and wrought iron gates opening onto beautiful
courtyards. Getting lost is no hardship
- it simply adds to the intrigue of the place. But
step out into the bright sunshine of wide avenues
and squares and there's a tremendous sense of energy
and confidence, no different from any bustling
european city. |
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| Places
of interest |
Bellver castle: Just three Kilometres
from the city and perched on a wooded hill sits the
castle of Bellver offering the best views over the bay
of Palma. The simple circular form and austere defensive
exterior marks a stark contrast to the palatial architecture
inside.
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La Llotja: This small, gothic building
was once Palmas stock exchange. With its sprial
pillars and rib vaulting it now holds temporary
exhibitions and is one of the cities cultural centres.

La Seu Cathedral: The glory of Palma, a
magnificent Gothic cathedral whose sandstone walls
and flying buttresses seem to rise out of the sea
to watch over the old city walls.
Parc de la Mar: Until the 1960s
the sea reached up to the city walls, providing
the perfect reflection for the cathedral. When the
building of a new road changed all that, an artificial
lake was constructed to reproduce the effect. The
park around the lake is a popular spot, with several
cafes, outdoor concerts, a mural donated by Joan
Miro and an art gallery in the vaults of the old
city walls. |
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Palau
Almudaina: Dating from the 14th centry
and built on the site of a large Arab fortress,
this palace overlooks the harbour and and is one
of the many outstanding waterfront features. The
courtyard, laid out in 1309 and flanked by palm
trees, is at its best in late afternoon when the
sun falls on the cathedral towers overhead and
just off the courtyard is the royal chapel, Santa
Ana.
City Walls: Following the lines of the
ancient medieval walls built to protect the island
from invaders, Palma's impressive city walls include
a popular walkway, with fabulous views over the
cathedral and the old town.
Placa de Sant
Francesc: The narrow streets around the
Placa de Sant Francesc, close to the Santa Eulalia
church, are a must for experiencing the spirit
and character of old Palma.
Basilica de Sant Francesc: With
a typical mallorcan façade you enter this
13th century church through gothic cloisters dotted
with orange and lemon trees and a well at its
centre. Inside is the tomb of Ramon Llull, the
Catalan mystic and outside the basilica is a statue
of the mallorcan missionary who founded California,
Fray Junipero Serra, who once lived in the monastery
here.
Placa
Cort: One of Palmas typical lively shopping
areas dominated by the cities 17th century town
hall. Arab baths: Dating from
the 10th century, the small, intricate chamber
has a high dome supported by large columns and
the ancient floor would originally have had underfloor
heating. There is also small, attractive garden
with tables and chairs.
Mercat Olivar: In the large Placa
del Olivar this has to be one of Palma's most
enjoyable markets with a dazzling array of fresh
produce and spectacular fish displays. It's a
great place to pick at tapas and watch the locals
do what they do.
Passeig d'es Born: This wide
tree-lined avenue is Palma's main promenade. It
forms an axis dissecting the whole city and features
many shops, restaurants, cafés and bars.
March Collection: This small
collection of 20th century Spanish art belonged
to the Mallorcan banker Joan March, once one of
the world's richest men. There are just 36 pieces,
each by a different artist, including Picasso,
Dali and Miro.
Miró Foundation: The foundation
incorporates the home and workshop of Joan Miró
where he spent most of his life. There's a permanent
exhibition of his work and the foundation also
holds temporary exhibitions.
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| más info |
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Best
beaches
Cala
Gamba
Magalluf
Arenal
Portitxol |
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Markets
Palma:
Saturday morning
Pont d'Inca: Friday morning
S'Arenal: Thursday morning
Can Pastilla: Thursday morning |
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Major
Festivals
05
January: Evening Procession celebrating the
arrival of the kings (wise men)
19-20 January: San Sebastián patron
saint of Palma largest fiesta of the year.
February: Carnival celebrated throughout the
island.
Holy Week: Various events and processions.
July: Jazz festival with various performances
by famous artists
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