Palma is a city that can easily be explored on foot. Its maze of quaint, narrow streets invite you to lose yourself and wander around on a gentle stroll, taking in the history, whether in company or alone, but ambling in an unhurried way.
As fervent devotees of the city, we want you to discover it for yourself and let yourself to be seduced by Palma de Mallorca old town.
Of all the districts to choose from, the historic centre is the best place for getting acquainted with the city. Tucked away in Palma’s streets are unique buildings, monuments and museums of different eras that will transport you back in time.
Immerse yourself in its history, its legends and its anecdotes, which combine to make it a city with a unique heritage. Start exploring and let yourself be carried away…!
DISCOVER LA SEU: SYMBOL OF CITY
An absolute must-see is La Seu, Mallorca’s cathedral, a masterpiece among Gothic churches, which stands facing the waves on the seafront (Paseo Marítimo) and is located next to the Almudaina Palace.
Both symbolise the meeting of cultures that suffuse the city. The cathedral is also an expression of art, and houses in its interior works by Gaudí and Miquel Barceló.
The cathedral’s best-kept secret and its least well known part is the bell tower and the walkways of its flying buttresses, recently opened to the public: an extraordinary enclave from where it is possible to enjoy a panoramic sea views and all of Palma city. Quite stunning.
SAVOUR SECLUDED SPOTS BRIMMING WITH ARCHITECTURE AND HISTORY
In the old town you’ll find veritable gems that reflect the living history of the city. Palma boasts such iconic examples of Catalan modernism as the Forn des Teatre, among others.
But if the old town of Palma de Mallorca is famous for anything it is for the patios that adorn the city in street after street.Some are as imposing as their ancestral homes, others are more sober, but all of them cry out to the visitor to stop and venture into these marvellous architectural wonders.
To discover them, Mallorca’s Tourism Department organises a guided visit involving a tour of the best known patios.
TOUR THE MOST EMBLEMATIC SHOPS
Among the streets and alleyways of the historic old town you’ll also have the chance to delight in a wide range of local craftsmanship and shop windows clamouring for attention at every step. Immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of the iconic Calle San Miguel. Or to dazzle the senses, stop off at Rialto Living, a totally novel retail concept for finding inspiration, housed in what was formerly one of Palma’s oldest cinemas.
If legendary shops are what you’re after, a stop at La Pajarita confectionary shop will sweeten your day. It has been in the same family for five generations, each generation passing on a taste for over 40 speciality bonbons, as well as a host of other sweets.
ADMIRE THE SEA AT SUNSET
The old town of Palma leads down to the sea, the great protagonist of the city’s and the island’s history, culminating in the Parc de la Mar, located at the base of the cathedral. This is one of the city’s main parks, a place for breathing in fresh sea air and contemplating all the city’s finest qualities.
To make your tour even more special, what could be better than soaking up the sunset with stunning views of the bay. On summer nights, the park turns into an impressive backdrop for fantastic film and music shows, all under the glimmering stars.
CONCLUYE EN EL CORAZÓN DEL CASO VIEJO
After a tour of the old town of Palma de Mallorca we suggest you have a drink at one of the places that best conveys the essence of the city. Just a stone’s throw from Parc de la Mar is Posada Terra Santa, our hotel with more than 500 years of history. Call in at the Salón Inglés, an intimate and singular venue that is a byword for exclusivity, calm and repose. Sip a delicious drink or a comforting coffee to savour your memories of the day and let yourself be transported by the magic of a city that has been cultivating it for centuries.
