The city of Palma de Mallorca can be defined with three words: historical, touristic and paradisiacal. For this reason, we encourage you to know the 10 curiosities of Palma de Mallorca that we have prepared in the following article in LOCK & enjoy!
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Know the 10 curiosities of Palma de Mallorca!
The curiosities explained below are small details that go unnoticed and have great symbolism and importance, both historically and culturally.
Palma Cathedral
The Cathedral of Palma, also known as La Seuis an icon of Gothic architecture, both in Spain and in the world.
The first curiosity is that it was built over an Arab mosque after the conquest of Mallorca by James I in 1229. In addition, it was part of a promise made by the monarch after being saved from a shipwreck.
Did you know that the rose window is the largest in the world among Gothic cathedrals? It has a diameter of 13 meters.
On the other hand, it has a particularity that also goes unnoticed and that is that it is facing the sea, something atypical in Christian churches.
Bellver Castle
This small fortress offering panoramic views of the city is also unique.
The reason is its type of architecture, since it is the only circular castle in Spain and one of the oldest in Europe. It should be noted that in the fourteenth century it was a rarity to build with this shape because it was far removed from the medieval European style.
The passage of history is present in every corner because it has had numerous uses over the centuries: royal residence, fortress, prison, etc.. Another interesting fact is that Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos was imprisoned here.
The Royal Palace of the Almudaina
In front of the Cathedral of Palma is located the Royal Palace of the Almudaina.
Although it was originally an Arab fortress, it is currently used by the King of Spain and his family during their summer vacations, as well as for official receptions of foreign leaders. For this reason, it is part of the National Heritage of the State.
Another striking detail is the fusion between its exterior architecture due to its Arab type and the interior, since there is a Gothic chapel and a large room with Flemish tapestries.
The skippers of Palma de Mallorca
Being a port city, it has always been exposed to the entry of all kinds of epidemics, as happened with the plague in the Middle Ages.
At this time, the religious figure of Saint Sebastian was associated with protection against this type of disease, which is why he became the patron saint of Palma in 1634. The relic is located in La Seu.
The Virgen de la Salud is also the patron saint of the city. The origin goes back to James I of Aragon, since in one of the battles to conquer Mallorca he entrusted himself to her for victory, a fact that finally happened. When the monarch conquered the city, the first mass was celebrated in honor of her.
Windmills
In ancient times, the city had more than 4,000 windmills that were mainly used to grind grain and extract water.
The vast majority have disappeared, but it is estimated that there are still approximately 400. Almost all of them are concentrated in the Es Jonquet neighborhood and have been restored to preserve their historical, cultural and touristic value.
British Cemetery
Although it may seem strange, in the upper part of the area of Porto Pí there is a small British cemetery. It was built in the 19th century in order to bury the British subjects who lived permanently in the city due to its favorable climatic conditions.
At present it is not used, but it is a very quiet and little known place in Palma de Mallorca.
Santa Catalina Neighborhood
This neighborhood is well known for its bohemian character, the many trendy restaurants and the wide range of nightlife that runs through its streets.
However, it was originally a fishing village due to its proximity to the sea. The workers lived in small houses of humble character that are still preserved, although they have been restored and transformed into businesses.
The sundial that never tells the time
In the heart of the old town of Palma is the church of Sant Jaume, one of the best known.
If you look closely, on one of the facades there is a sundial that never marks the time correctly. The reason is due to the location because the shadow is never in the right place to indicate the time.
La Font del Sepulcre
In the historic center there is a very special fountain, since it has been gushing water uninterruptedly since the Middle Ages.
Therefore, there are many local legends that have circulated in the area such as, for example, that the water has healing properties. However, it is a symbol of permanence for the Mallorcans.
The “castaways’ houses-
Along the coast of Palma you can find what is known locally as the “castaway houses”.
They are small stone constructions that were originally built by sailors who survived shipwrecks. They were used to rest and recuperate before returning to their homes.
Today, some of them can be visited because they have been restored.
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