If we need to name one building in Palma de Mallorca that really jumps out from the rest: it is the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, more commonly known as la Seu. The cathedral was built in the 13th century on a small elevation along the Mediterranean Sea. The cathedral is built in Catalonian-Gothic style. The inside of the cathedral has been regularly renovated and adjusted. The last thorough renovation was executed by no one else than Gaudí himself. He mainly changed the glasswork in the cathedral with stained glass. Besides this he designed new chandeliers for the cathedral. It is worth going inside the cathedral when visiting the city. The inside of the cathedral is just as special as the outside.
It is quite a walk from Palma de Mallorca, but it is certainly worth every step. Bellver Castle lies on the top of a hill just outside of Palma de Mallorca. From the castle you have a wonderful view over the city and the Mediterranean Sea. When the sky is clear you can even see a large part of the island from the top of the castle. The castle was built in the 14th century and has had different functions across the centuries. It was once the residence of the king of Mallorca and later it became a prison. Nowadays the historic museum of Mallorca is housed inside the castle. The courtyard of the castle is regularly used for concerts during the summer months.
In the centre of the city you will find Plaza Mayor. This name maybe already rings a bell. The famous centre square in Madrid has the exact same name. The Plaza Mayor in Palma de Mallorca is actually a direct copy of the one in Madrid. It is just a little smaller than the original. The three most important shopping streets of the city end on the square. Therefore it is always busy on the square which brings about a nice atmosphere. During the warm days you can find different terraces. Street artists on the square always encourage the vibe of the square. Every Monday there is a fruit and vegetables market on the square. It is fun to stroll through the small streets behind Plaza Mayor. You get the impression of the old city. Despite that the streets appear to be one big maze, they always end on Plaza Mayor.
From Palma de Mallorca you can take the historical tram to Sóller. The railway tracks run from the ancient state through the mountains of Mallorca. The journey is worth seeing. In the past the tracks were used to transport fruit and you can still see this to the present day. The tram goes directly through orange orchards. In Sóller itself you can make a stop and enjoy the view. This town is not very special but it is more about the journey to it in the vintage tram. The train journey is even called the most beautiful one in Europe by some.
Just as in Barcelona, there is a La Rambla in Palma de Mallorca. The street has a lot in common with the street in Barcelona with which it shares its name. You can find the famous flower stalls and restaurants here. The street is less touristic however than the street in Barcelona. It actually is a place in Mallorca where you can calm down and rest after a big day of sight seeing. On the La Ramble you can also see two statues of Roman emperors.
Directly next to the cathedral is the Almudaina Palace. This castle was originally built as an Arabic fort. Since the beginning of the 14th century it is officially claimed as a residence of the royal family. The castle was later renovated and adjusted in the current gothic style. In the castle itself you can still find items from the 14th century. Carpets, furniture and clothing are still there. For a small fee you can enter the castle and admire the inside of it.
In Palma de Mallorca are the remains of the original Arabic baths. Unfortunately not much of this remains, but it does belong to the best preserved remains of the Arabic era on Mallorca. The baths are very similar to the bathhouses that you find in islamic cities. Particular are the pillars that keep the dome of the bathhouse standing. The pillars all look different and not one of them is the same as another. Archeologists believe that the pillars were reused from another building to save on the costs. The bathhouse used to be a place where you could meet people. In the courtyard a meeting area has been built for after having taken a bath. You can see orange trees, palm trees and cacti in these gardens. Visitors can take a rest after a warm bath here. Every day it is possible to visit the ruins of the Arabic baths in Palma de Mallorca.
Palma Aquarium does not lie in the centre, but it is easily reached by taking the bus. In the centre you can buy entree tickets at the excursion stores, including a bus ticket to the aquarium. The aquarium is partly indoors and partly outdoors. Besides the different aquariums you have the possibility to dive with stingrays and sharks. You can buy a ticket there and under guidance you are going to dive in an aquarium. After the dive you will receive a picture of your experience. The Palma Aquarium is fun for the whole family.
You can find horse carriages in different European cities and thus also in Palma de Mallorca. Most carriages are to be found in the neighbourhood of the La Seu Cathedral. There are different carriages from which you can choose. The coachmen will take you on a little tour through the city. You will regularly go through narrow streets. During the ride you will pass different sights in Palma. When you would rather discover everything on your own accord, then you are best off walking through the city. Since 2007 there is also a metro line underneath the city for longer distances.
