Palma history

The history of Palma, the capital of the Balearic Islands, is rooted in deep antiquity. The city, having survived the succession of several civilisations, has formed its unique appearance thanks to a rich historical heritage.

Foundation and first mentions. The city was founded by the Roman consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus Balearicus in approximately 123 BC. Initially, it was named Palmaria Palmensis and served as a Roman military camp on the site of an older settlement. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city experienced periods of Vandal and Byzantine rule. In the 10th century, the island was conquered by the Arabs, and the city, renamed Medina Mayurqa, became a prosperous trading and cultural centre. This era ended in 1229 with the conquest of Mallorca by King James I of Aragon.

Several key factors contributed to Palma's development over the centuries:

• Geographical location: Its location in a large and convenient bay on the southern coast of Mallorca made the city an ideal natural port with strategic importance in the Mediterranean.
• Trade: Palma has always been an important crossroads of maritime trade routes connecting Europe with Africa. This status was maintained during the Roman, Arab, and subsequent eras.
• Political power: After the Christian conquest, Palma became the capital of the independent Kingdom of Majorca, which strengthened its status as the political and administrative centre of the region.

Early cultural and economic features. A new stage of prosperity began after the Aragonese conquest. The city's main symbols were established — the grandiose Cathedral of Santa Maria (La Seu) and the unique circular Bellver Castle. The city's economy was based on maritime trade, crafts, and agriculture inherited from previous cultures. The status of the kingdom's capital facilitated the concentration of nobility, merchants, and artisans in Palma, making it one of the significant cities of the medieval Mediterranean.

Key Milestones in Palma's History

The history of Palma is a kaleidoscope of cultures and eras that have left their mark on the city's architecture and traditions. From a Roman camp to a modern tourism capital — here are the main events that shaped the city's appearance.

• 123 BC — Roman consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus founds the city of Palmaria Palmensis on the site of an older settlement.
• 902 — The island is conquered by the Emirate of Cordoba, and the city, renamed Medina Mayurqa, becomes a thriving Arab centre.
• 31 December 1229 — The troops of the Aragonese King James I the Conqueror retake the city from the Moors, marking the beginning of the Christian era in the history of Mallorca.
• 1230 — By decree of King James I, construction begins on the grandiose Cathedral of Santa Maria (La Seu) on the site of a former mosque.
• 1276 — After the death of James I, the independent Kingdom of Majorca is created, and Palma becomes one of its capitals.
• 1300 — King James II orders the construction of the unique circular Bellver Castle, which initially served as a royal residence.
• 1349 — The Kingdom of Majorca is finally integrated into the Crown of Aragon, and Palma loses its status as the capital of an independent state.
• XVI-XVII centuries — The city suffers from frequent pirate raids, leading to the strengthening of city walls and defensive structures.
• Early XIX century — During the Napoleonic Wars, Palma becomes a refuge for many fleeing from the Spanish mainland, contributing to the city's growth.
• 1950s — The era of mass tourism begins, radically changing the economy and appearance of Palma, turning it into one of the most popular resorts in the Mediterranean.
• 1983 — Palma officially becomes the capital of the autonomous community of the Balearic Islands.

Development Stages: From Trading Port to Tourism Capital

Palma has come a long way, transforming from a medieval trading city into one of Europe's most famous tourism centres. Key transformations in its economy, culture, and urban planning reflect a rich and multifaceted history.

• Medieval Commercial Flourishing (XIV–XV centuries). After the Aragonese conquest, Palma became a crucial maritime hub linking Europe and Africa. This period, considered the city's "Golden Age", was marked by the construction of the magnificent maritime exchange La Llotja, built between 1426 and 1452. This Gothic building became a symbol of the economic power and prosperity of the merchant class.
• Decline and Construction of Defensive Walls (XVI–XVII centuries). With the discovery of the Americas, trade routes shifted to the Atlantic, leading to an economic downturn in the Mediterranean. Frequent pirate raids forced the city to focus on defence. During this period, powerful Renaissance city walls were built and fortified, defining Palma's boundaries and appearance for centuries.
• Urban Expansion (Early XX century). In 1902, the decision was made to demolish most of the medieval walls, which became a turning point in urban planning. This allowed the city to expand beyond its historic core and begin forming a modern look with wide avenues and new districts, known as the 'Eixample' (Ensanche).
• Tourism Boom (from the 1950s). The development of mass tourism produced a true revolution in the city's economy. The construction of the international airport in the 1960s, hotels, and infrastructure development radically changed Palma, turning it into a global tourism capital. Tourism became the main source of income and the engine of further growth.
• Capital of Autonomy (1983). Obtaining the status of capital of the Balearic Islands autonomous community strengthened Palma's administrative and political importance. This facilitated investment in the development of social infrastructure, transport, and cultural institutions.
• Restoration of the Historic Centre. In the late 20th and early 21st centuries, large-scale projects began to restore and preserve the historic centre (Casco Antiguo). Pedestrian zones, the restoration of ancient buildings, and attention to cultural heritage have increased the city's attractiveness for both residents and visitors, harmoniously blending the past and present.

The architectural appearance of Palma is a living illustration of its rich history. Strolling through the city, one can trace the changing eras and styles that have left behind a unique combination of majestic cathedrals, luxurious mansions, and avant-garde structures. Every stone here tells its own story, creating the unique atmosphere of the Balearic capital.

The Golden Age of Gothic (XIII–XV centuries)

After the conquest of Mallorca by King James I, a construction boom began in the city, defining its look for centuries to come. The dominant style became Catalan Gothic, characterised by powerful yet elegant forms, wide naves, and fewer decorative elements compared to French Gothic.

• The Cathedral (La Seu): The main symbol of Palma and one of the greatest Gothic cathedrals in Southern Europe. Its construction began in 1230. Of particular note is the enormous rose window, known as the "Gothic Eye", which is one of the largest in the world.
• Bellver Castle: A unique example of military Gothic architecture and the only circular castle in Spain. It served as a royal residence and demonstrates the power and influence of the Kingdom of Majorca.
• La Llotja Exchange (La Llotja): A masterpiece of civil Gothic architecture built by architect Guillem Sagrera. Elegant twisted columns and vaulted ceilings symbolised Palma's economic prosperity as a major trading port.

Renaissance and Baroque (XVI–XVIII centuries)

During this period, Palma's architecture acquired more decorative and opulent features. Although fewer new grandiose structures were erected, existing buildings were actively rebuilt and decorated in accordance with new fashions. The main focus was on the construction of defensive structures and luxurious urban mansions.

• City Walls: To protect against pirate raids, powerful Renaissance bastions were erected, remnants of which can still be seen along the seafront today.
• Patios and Noble Palaces: The Old Town retains many inner courtyards (patios) surrounded by Baroque-style palaces. These mansions, such as Can Oleza, demonstrate the wealth of the local aristocracy.
• City Hall (Ajuntament): Located in Plaza de Cort, the building features an expressive Baroque façade constructed in the 17th century.

The Modernism Era (Late XIX – Early XX centuries)

Following Barcelona, Palma embraced the fashion for Modernism (Art Nouveau). This style, with its flowing lines, floral ornaments, and use of wrought iron, ceramics, and stained glass, brought notes of elegance and artistry to the city's appearance.

• Gran Hotel: One of the most iconic Art Nouveau buildings, built by Catalan architect Lluís Domènech i Montaner. Today it houses a cultural centre.
• Can Forteza Rey and Can Corbella Buildings: Vivid examples of Modernism with Neo-Mudéjar elements, distinguished by whimsical façades with colourful ceramic tiles and curved shapes.
• Cathedral Renovation: In the early 20th century, the great architect Antoni Gaudí carried out a major renovation of the interior of La Seu, adding elements of his unique style to the Gothic space.

Modern Architecture (XX–XXI centuries)

The demolition of the city walls in the early 20th century paved the way for the city's expansion (the Ensanche districts). The tourism boom of the second half of the century stimulated the construction of modern infrastructure. Today, Palma harmoniously combines historical heritage with avant-garde projects, such as the Congress Palace (Palau de Congressos) by architect Francisco Mangado, whose building has become a new symbol of modern Palma.

Distinguished Figures in Palma's History

Over the centuries, Palma has been home and a point of attraction for many prominent figures whose names are forever inscribed in the history of not only the city but the world. From medieval thinkers to avant-garde artists, these individuals left a deep imprint on the culture, architecture, and spiritual life of the Balearic capital.

James I the Conqueror (1208–1276)

King of Aragon who reconquered Mallorca from the Moors in 1229. This event was a turning point in the city's history, marking the beginning of the Christian era and the construction of iconic structures such as La Seu Cathedral. Although James I was not a native of the island, his role in founding modern Palma is fundamental.

Ramon Llull (c. 1232–1315)

An outstanding philosopher, writer, and theologian born in Palma. He is considered one of the key figures in the history of Catalan literature and medieval thought, as well as one of the pioneers of European Arabist studies. His works had a tremendous influence on European culture.

Guillem Sagrera (c. 1380–1456)

Mallorcan architect and sculptor, one of the greatest masters of the Gothic style. His main masterpiece in Palma is the La Llotja exchange building — a magnificent example of civil Gothic architecture that became a symbol of the city's economic power in the 15th century.

Junípero Serra (1713–1784)

Franciscan friar and missionary born in Mallorca. Before travelling to the Americas and founding Catholic missions in California, he obtained a doctorate and taught philosophy at the University of Palma. Today he is revered as the "Father of California".

Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926)

The famous Catalan architect who, while not a native of the island, left an indelible mark on Palma. From 1904 to 1914, he led a major renovation of the interior of La Seu Cathedral, introducing unique Art Nouveau elements into its Gothic space.

Joan Miró (1893–1983)

World-renowned Surrealist painter, sculptor, and graphic artist who spent the last decades of his life in Mallorca. Here, in his studio near Palma, he created a significant part of his later works. Today, the Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation operates in the city, housing more than 6,000 of his works.

Camilo José Cela (1916–2002)

Spanish writer and winner of the 1989 Nobel Prize in Literature. He lived in Mallorca for a significant part of his life (from 1955 to 1989), where he founded and published the influential literary journal "Papeles de Son Armadans".