Five places in Mallorca with history

Without a doubt, Palma de Mallorca is one of the best destinations to go on holiday in the world, and not only because of the white sand beaches that make it the perfect place to spend some sun and beach rest days, and the historical places through which you can get to know the culture of Mallorca. Below, you can discover some of the most historic sites on the island. Don't forget to visit them on your holidays in Mallorca.

BELLVER CASTLE

Bellver Castle is one of the must-visit sites in Mallorca. A symbol of the island's architectural heritage, it is the only circular castle in Spain and the oldest circular castle in Europe (Michelstetten Castle in Austria and Restormel Castle in England are the others that share the same distinction).

Bellver Castle is a castle-fortress built in the 13th century by order of the King of Mallorca James II and long afterwards used as a prison. Since 1931, it has belonged to the Palma de Mallorca Town Hall. It is open daily and is situated just 3 km from the city of Palma.

CATHEDRAL OF PALMA

La Seu, as the Cathedral of Palma is popularly known, is one of the most admired Gothic cathedrals in the world and, without a doubt, is an unmissable visit on any trip to Mallorca. Declared a Historic-Artistic Monument, the Cathedral of Mallorca is the most symbolic artistic heritage in the Balearic Islands. Only a few people know that King James I of Aragón built it to fulfil a promise to the Virgin Mary for having saved him from a shipwreck at sea. That is why the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca is also known as the Basilica of Santa Maria.

The cathedral has been restored on numerous occasions by some of the world's most famous artists, including Antoni Gaudí and Miguel Barceló.

Another interesting fact is that you can visit the cathedral's roof terraces in the summer. Any visit to Palma de Mallorca should include visiting these beautiful terraces where you can contemplate Mallorca from another perspective.

ROYAL PALACE OF LA ALMUDAINA

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is one of the most visited places of interest in Mallorca. Situated next to Palma Cathedral in Mallorca, it is one of the official residences of the monarchs of Spain and hosts royal ceremonies on the island.

The castle section is open to the public to explore its opulent rooms and courtyards. The Chapel of Santa Ana is a Gothic-Romanesque building that is well worth visiting. In summer, there is free entrance to the Royal Palace of La Almudaina on Wednesdays and Sundays.

LA LONJA DE PALMA

La Lonja de Palma is a civil Gothic masterpiece that served as a meeting point and commodities exchange for merchants. An authentic architectural relic created by Guillem Sagrera, who masterfully fused the warmth of light and the sobriety of stone, it is famous for its columns that resemble stone palm trees and rise to the ceiling to form rib vaults.

This building is also an excellent starting point for discovering the La Lonja neighbourhood, one of the liveliest places in Palma in summer, ideal for shopping and enjoying good restaurants in the centre of Palma, such as Beatnik Restaurant & Bar, located in Puro hotel Oasis Urbano, where you will find the most daring creative fusion cuisine in Palma and a lively nightlife atmosphere for enjoying a night of drinks in the city centre and music from the island's best DJs.

LA CARTUJA DE VALLDEMOSSA

Located in the picturesque village of Valldemossa, 20 minutes from Palma, in the heart of the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range, La Cartuja (Cartoixa) is one of the most famous historical monuments in the world because personalities such as Chopin and George Sans stayed there.

If you plan to visit Valldemossa during your summer holidays in Mallorca, try its famous coca de patata (potato cakes).