Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Mallorcan Architecture
For an overview of Mallorca's architectural spectrum, a visit to Palma
should be high on your list. You'll glimpse Arab baths and Renaissance
mansions where Mallorcan aristocrats once swanned around, baroque patis
(patios) and Modernista mansions, not to mention that whopper of a Gothic
cathedral where the city meets the sea. The next chapter is still to be writ-
ten: the wave of innovation sweeping contemporary Spanish architectural
circles has largely passed Mallorca by.
ARCHITECTURAL INSIGHT
PattiisFlit back to Renaissance times in thepatis(patios) in Palma's historic centre.
Mus
Museu R
u Regiional d'
al d'ArrttàBrush up on your knowledge oftalayots(watchtowers) here.
Palm
a CattheddraalThe goliath of Gothic, with its flying buttresses, soaring pinnacles
and one of the world's largest rose windows.
SSes P
alma C
s PaïïssesClose to Artà, this is one of Mallorca's most impressive Talayotic sites.
Banys À
s ÀrraabsPalma's Arab baths are the most important remaining monument to
Muslim domination of the island.
Casttell d'
ell d'Ala
AlarróThe enigmatic ruins of a medieval fortress.
Ca''n P
n PrruunerraA classic example of a Modernista mansion in Sóller.
Es B
aluarrdThis contemporary, skylit gallery seamlessly merges with Palma's
Renaissance seaward walls.
Old Alc
s Balua
Old Alcúdia
údiaHere the medieval walls are among the island's best preserved.
First Beginnings
Remains of the talayots (Bronze Age watchtowers) of the Balearic peoples are found at a
few archaeological sites around the island, although little is known about the purpose of
these structures and the wider lives of those who inhabited the towns. Most settlements of
these Talayotic cultures were encircled by high stone walls, within which were numerous
dwellings and the towers, which were built of stone, usually without the use of mortar; it
is thought that some of the towers served as watchtowers, others tombs. Although these
cultures survived roughly until the Roman arrival on the island in 123 BC, many of the
Search WWH ::




Custom Search