What to see in Palma de Mallorca

Maybe you have not been to Palma de Mallorca yet, or maybe you have already visited our island. Mallorca is more than just a sun and beach tourist destination. Mallorca is a land of history, culture and gastronomy, and in this post, we tell you about some things to see in Palma de Mallorca.

Mallorca has been influenced by different cultures, including Roman, Muslim and Jewish, through its connection with the sea. Today we would like to offer you some tips so that you can discover the island’s distinct and surprising cultural influences.

The Arab Baths

Muslim culture is our first tip, with a visit to the Baños Arabes (Arab Baths) in Palma Old Town. The Arab Baths in Palma de Mallorca date from the 11th century and are the best-preserved construction from the Muslim period. They are located in the gardens of the former orchard of the manor house Can Fontirroig

Madina Mayurca, the name by which the present-day capital of Mallorca was known, was equipped with an excellent hydraulic system that was essential for the functioning of the public baths, the centre of social life in those times.

The Arab Baths preserve the central room, which was used for hot baths, some steam pipes and the remains of the chimneys used to heat the water.

Palma Jewish Quarter

Jewish culture also left its mark on the island. The Jewish presence in the Mallorcan capital dates back to the 5th century. During the Muslim era, many Jews worked as civil servants, which explains why many of their residences were situated around the Almudaina Palace (now a National Heritage site) in an area called Call Menor. The Jews were expelled from the centre and moved to Call Major where the "new synagogue" was built and which is now called Calle Pelleteria (Pelleteria street).

One of the best-kept secrets of the Jewish presence in Palma de Mallorca is visible to all, in the city's most significant monument, the Cathedral of Palma. The main rose window of the Basilica of Santa María de Palma de Mallorca, also known as the Gothic Eye, is a perfect Star of David made of 1,115 panes of glass, (197 yellow, 216 blue, 462 red and 240 green). Another of the rose window’s distinctive features is its location in the central presbytery, instead of at the foot of the central nave. According to legend, this was the work of the Jewish architect commissioned to build it as he wanted to place the symbol of his religion in a privileged spot.

Another curiosity about the Palma Cathedral rose window is "the Miracle of Light" or "the Festival of Light". It takes place twice a year, on the 2^nd February and the 11^th November, starting at 8.20 a.m, when the rising sun enters the large rose window and crosses the nave of Palma de Mallorca Cathedral to project a colourful figure "eight" on the inside wall of the main façade, below the small rose window. This spectacle lasts just a few minutes before disappearing.

While we are inside the cathedral, it is worth walking around the whole building, as it is always a pleasure to walk through a Gothic construction from the 13th century.

Cathedral of Palma

The Cathedral of Palma is one of Mallorca's must-see attractions, an essential visit if you come to the island. However, why does the Cathedral of Palma go by other names? Why does everyone recommend visiting the Cathedral of Palma? What makes it unique? What parts of the cathedral can you visit?

The Cathedral of Palma has the exceptional category of ‘Basilica’, a title of honour given to church buildings that are distinguished by their antiquity, grandeur or beauty, all of which characterise the Basilica of Santa María de Palma. The Cathedral of Palma is also popularly known as "La Seu", the name which all the cathedrals from the Crown of Aragon are named with.

One of the singularities of the Cathedral of Palma is that it is the only Gothic cathedral built next to the sea, towering above the Roman and Renaissance walls that protect the city. The cathedral’s reflection can be seen just below in the Parc de la Mar (Sea Park).

The Cathedral of Palma offers guided tours where you can discover the history hidden within its high walls all year round. One of the Cathedral of Palma’s best experiences is a trip up to its roof terrace, from where you can see the sea and contemplate the city’s skyline. Finally, complete your visit in the cathedral’s museum, where you can see paintings, sculptures and gold and silver pieces.

Best restaurants in Palma de Mallorca

If you are hungry after a long walk, then Palma de Mallorca has many restaurants with gastronomy that delights the palate, from international to KM 0 products and with prices for every purse. However, we would like to recommend our restaurant, Beatnik Palma.

Restaurant Beatnik & Market Palma

Restaurant Beatnik & Market Palma is located in the city centre of Palma de Mallorca, just a 6-minute walk from the Cathedral, in the popular maritime district of La Llotja-Born.

Restaurant Beatnik is an experience and a place to enjoy elaborate cuisine and the best music in town. Beatnik Palma's carefully prepared dishes are made with local, fresh market produce. Our menu offers avant-garde cuisine, designed with a cultural fusion from Asia to America.

If you are staying at the Hotel Palacio Can Marqués you can obtain a 30% discount at our Beatnik Bar & Restaurant.