Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Basílica de Sant Francesc CHURCH
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(Plaça de Sant Francesc 7; admission €1.50; 9.30am-12.30pm Mon-Sun, 3.30-6pm Mon-Sat)
One of Palma's oldest churches, the Franciscan Basílica de Sant Francesc was begun in
1281 in Gothic style and its baroque facade was completed in 1700. In the splendid
Gothic cloister - a two-tiered, trapezoid affair - the elegant columns indicate it was some
time in the making. Inside the lugubrious church, the fusion of styles is clear. The high
vaulted roof is classic Gothic, while the glittering high altar is a baroque lollipop, albeit
in need of a polish.
In the first chapel (dedicated to Nostra Senyora de la Consolació) on the left in the
apse is the church's pride and joy, the tomb of and monument to the 13th-century scholar
and evangelist Ramon Llull. He is Mallorca's favourite son (apart perhaps from the ten-
nis genius Rafael Nadal). Llull's alabaster tomb is high up on the right. Drop a few coins
in the slot for the campaign to have him canonised (he has only made it to beatification).
Check out the Capilla de los Santos Mártires Gorkomienses, on the right side of the apse.
In 1572, 19 Catholics, 11 of them Franciscans, were martyred in Holland. In this much
faded portrayal of the event, you can see them being hanged, disembowelled, having
their noses cut off and more.
PALMA FOR CHILDREN
With its beaches, parks and water activities, touring Palma with children in tow
should be a breeze. Tell tales of knights and damsels exploring Castell de Bellver
( Click here ) and Castell de Sant Carles (Carretera del Dic de l'Oest; 9am-1pm Mon-Sat)
; you can also combine art with fun on the ramparts at Es Baluard ( Click
here ). Palma Aquarium ( Click here ), east of Palma, is also outstanding and you
could easily spend half a day there; kids can spend a (possibly sleepless) night at
one of the shark sleepovers. Aqualand ( Click here ) water park near S'Arenal is an-
other surefire hit, with its slide, pools and speedball flumes.
Playgrounds are scattered about town, for instance in Parc de les Estacions ,
behind the train and bus station, and Sa Feixina park near Es Baluard. There's a
brilliant adventure playground further along near the walls just east of Parc de la
Mar .
Arab City Wall HISTORIC SITE
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