Palma de Mallorca
Palma de Mallorca is the capital city of the Balearic Islands, situated in the south-west coast of Mallorca island. With a population of about 400 thousand it is the twelfth largest urban area of Spain. Almost half of the total population of Mallorca island lives in Palma. Palma was founded as a Roman camp and later incorporated into the province of Tarraconensis by 123 BC. Palma has a real turbulent history, which one can study in the famous museum of Palma. The roman, byzantine and muslim periods affected the design and construction of the famous monuments in Palma de Mallorca.
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The Cathedral, La Seu
The Cathedral is the symbol of the city of Palma.Its construction is started in the XII centry, during the reign of Jaime II, on top of what had once been the old Muslim mosque, and finished at the end of the XVI century.
Tradition has it that king Jaime I made a vow to the virgin when he was sailing with his fleet towards Mallorca’s coast, in order to conquest the said land, and was caught in the middle of a forceful storm. All the citizens since know him as Jaime I “The Conqueror”. 
The Cathedral has three access doors; the “Mayor” door, of Renaissance style; the “Mirador” or “gateway to the sea” door, north-oriented and next to the XV century belfry. The central vault has a gheight of 44 metres and a great rosette, with 1236 coloured crystals, which bathes the interior with an impressive typical Mediterranean warm light.
Catalan architect, Antonio Gaudí, made alterations in its interior in 1904. Nowadays, thanks to the lake at the Parc de la mar, one may see its silhouette reflected on the water, just like in the times in which it was built.
Palau de l’Almudaina, Almudaina Palace
Next to the Cathedral, one finds the Almudaina Palace (citadel or last fortified site). Its Gothic style construction started after the X century Muslim conquest. It served as the government building at the time. Together with the Cathedral, it makes up for a monumental sea facade.
Due to its deterioration, the Catholic Monarchs in power restored it during the XIII and XIV century. Santa Ana’s chapel, built by order of Jaime I, lies inside and offers an interesting reredos that dates back to the XV century.
At the crown of its highest tower, there is an angel, which represents Saint Gabriel’s Archangel and is the work of Francisco de Camprodon, maestro from Roselló. Thus its familiar name : the Angel’s Tower. Nowadays, it serves as home to the Balearic Captaincy General and as a public museum. Additionally, it is the Spanish Royal Family’s residence when in the Balearic Islands.
Right below it, you may find the S’Hort del Rei garden (the King’s garden) of Arabic influence.
La Llotja, The Fish Market
The market is located on one side of the sea promenade. The central site for commercial and maritime transactions then, it is nowadays used for cultural exhibits.
Of civil Gothic style, its construction started in 1426 under the Majorcan architect Guillem Sagrera. It has a central rectangular vault covered by with rib arches with massive windowpanes that provide a lighted, warm and natural environment.
Originally built with the sea at its feet, the small fishing boats used to dock there. Sea products were taken inside where they were traded. From the inner patio of the Market, one may see the fishermen’s wharf.
The 17th century sea consulate is adjacent to this construction a separated only by a small garden. It served as the Maritim Commerce Tribunal. Its entrance is flanked by two cannons which were recovered from the Palma’s harbour. The interior chapel offers a Gothic reredos that dates back to the XIV century, and represents a scene from the life of San Bernardo.
Castell de Bellver, Bellver’s Castle
Bellver’s Castle (beautiful view castle) is outside downtown Palma. It offers spectacular views of Palma’s Bay as well as most of the island thanks to its location, 112 meters above sea level.
Dating back to the XIII century and built by order of king Jaime II, it served as the royal palace. Later it became the Mint House and military residence under the reign of Carlos IV. Today, Bellver’s Castle houses the city’s history museum.
Of circular construction, with three attached semicircular towers plus a fourth tower (recently reformed for the anniversary), it is connected to the main two-story fortress by a bridge. Horseshoe arches surround first floor. Shored arches and the Gothic ribbed vault mark the second floor.
Each Sunday, during Easter’s celebration, Angel’s Day is celebrated. The neighbours go up to the Castle and picnic there. Tradition originates in the old times when the inhabitants of the island use to make empanadas and those left over were eaten at the Castle.
City Hall, The Arabic Baths and its surroundings
The City hall is located at the Plaza de Cort, heat of the old city. A baroque style building with an impressive façade marked by an impressive eave which is over three meters wide and a large balcony with seven windows on top of which one finds a large clock. Previously, it had served as the San Andrés Hospital. When the hospital was rebuilt in 1598, it became the city’s City Hall.
San Francisco’s basilica construction started at the end of the XIII century and was finished one century after. Its Gothic cloister must be pointed out since it preserves all its ogival purity. Francisco de Herrera built its façade during the XVII century.
The Arabic Baths or Hammans are located at the Serra Street and date back to the XII century, the Muslim period. It is made up by a dome shaped like the half an orange and 25 skylights and supported by twelve pillars. It was probably part of a palace in those times and where the Muslims gathered for recreation. 
Strolling around the small and narrow streets of the Old Town, one will be able to see the Majorcan Patios. The more noticeable : Ca’n Oleza patio dation from the XVII century, located in the Morey street, and the Marques de Vivot patio, from the XVII century in the Zavalla street. Both of them share the Baroque style with large gates that allowed the master’s carriage to go through and enter the property. One may admire the large staircases, beautiful pillars, and dark corners that were then lighted by lanterns, which are, still hanging from the roof. It is not hard at all to travel back into those times, simply stare at tall that beauty.
Pueblo Español (Spanish Town), Gran Hotel, Fundació Pilar i Joan Miro
The Pueblo Español is an original and unique architectonic complex developed between 1965 and 1967. Its harbours faithful and accurate reproductions of the houses and monuments that are most characteristic to and important of Spain. In a small area, one has a summary the Spanish essence and spirit. In this street labyrinth, there is room for handicrafts and folklore. Artisans work, in fromt of visitors, on their wood, iron, wool, leather and other products. All these provide exceptional liveliness and colour to the “pueblo español”.
The Gran Hotel (Grand Hotel), located at the plaza Weyler, of Modernist style, was built in 1903 by the Catalan architect, lluís Domènech I Momtaner. It was the first luxury hotel of the island and is now a cultural centre. In 1993, Fundació La Caixa, reformed it and opened its doors making it an art gallery where temporary shows are exhibited. Art can be breathed both inside and outside of this building.
In 1956, Joan Miró, painter and sculptor, in love with the island’s light, bought a house-studio in Cala Major, where he lived till his death 1983, at the age of 90. After his death, the building was enlarged in order to house all his work. Today, it remains intact and still has the open paint jars, unfinished pictures, paint stains on the floor just as the artist left them. See all information on : miro.palmademallorca.es