Culture of Mallorca. Places to visit - old town, temples, theaters, museums and palaces

The main spots of tourist attraction of Majorca are inestimable architectural landmarks and unique natural attractions. The most significant historical landmark is the Palma Cathedral. Its construction took place in the 13th century. Today the magnificent cathedral is considered to be the main religious building of Balearic Islands. Since the beginning of the 20th century the building and its adjacent areas are considered the most significant landmark of historical and artistic value of the country. Tourists should estimate the interior decoration of the cathedral developed and executed by the famous artists Antoni Gaudi.

The Bellver Castle is equally significant historical landmark of the country. It is located in the nearest suburbs of the capital city. The majestic castle is a single Gothic style building, unique in its kind, on the territory of Spain. Up to the 18th century the castle served as a prison and then stood for a long period of time abandoned and desolated.

During the tour visitors will be offered to walk through large halls of the castle and then appreciate a breath taking panoramic view as the viewing platform of the castle offers unforgettable scenes. A genuine masterpiece of architectural art is the Royal Palace of La Almudaina. Few centuries ago it served as the main residence of Moorish vizirs. Nowadays the buidling serves for several important purposes. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The palace is still the main residence of the King of Spain on the island. A part of the halls of the palace are given to the Military Command Office and the rest of the halls are given to the National Museum. Nowadays the major part of the palace halls is open for tourist visits and organized tours. Everybody has a chance to enjoy the inestimable treasures kept within the walls of the palace. One of the most original landmarks of the island is considered to be the Santuari de Lluc. It is widely thought that in ancient times the place of the Santuari was a ritual plot where the most incredible mystical ceremonials and rituals were officiated.

The santuari was built in the 13th century which in the course of its long history changed its appearance and was totally destroyed. The building which tourists may observe nowadays was built in the end of the 17th century and the structure embodied the fusion of the best traditions of Renaissance. A part of the premises of the sanctuary is given to the Archeological Museum which is among the most visited cultural spots of the island. Among its showpieces there are inestimable scientific discoveries dating back to the ages of prehistoric period.

You can find many wonderful religious attractions in Mallorca, the most famous and amazing among them is the unique monastery Santuari De Sant Salvador, which is located in Felanich municipality. It is remarkable for its magnificent views dut to the good location of the monastery on a hill (509 meters above sea level, at the highest point of the region). The Church construction was built in 1348, making it one of the oldest on the island. The Parroquia de Sant Jaume in Alcudia is also worth a visit. Being erected in 1285, the Shrine was completely destroyed in 1870, but the locals managed to save the altars, sculptures, and relics of the saints. After 12 years, it was decided to create a new Church, which construction was completed in 1893 in the neo-Gothic style.

you can find the second most important monument of sacred art after Catedral de Mallorca in Palma, it is Basilica de Sant Francesco. The most important relic is the grave of the Catalan religious figure, philosopher and poet Ramon Lullia. The Shrine was built in 1281, the facade of the building with a beautiful sundial at the top was completed in the XVII century. The Church is famous for its atmosphere, thanks to which you can completely forget that the yard is no longer the Middle Ages. The original Church Iglesia La Porciuncula, which was built in 1968 by Giuseppe Ferragusta is also Interesting for tourists. The magnificent stained glass windows were built by another architect-Juan Bautista Castro. Another religious attraction in Palma deserves the attention of every tourist — Parròquia de Santa Eulàlia.

The island is home to several archaeological sites, one of them is Ruins Romanes de Pollentia, which is located in Alcudia. Once the Roman city Pollentia was located here, founded in the I century ad. There are still some remained buildings-forum, merchants ' shops, amphitheatre, baths. Artefacts collected from the excavations can be found at the nearby Museu Monogràfic de Pollèntia. Another monument, reminiscent of Mallorca's prehistoric past, is called Necròpoli de Son Real and can be found near Can Picafort. The attraction is an ancient burial of VII-IV centuries BC, there were found weapons, jewellery and household items in the necropolis. You can find about three hundred graves here.

The capital of the island is rich in historically important sites, and one such is the ruins of the settlement Madina Mayurqa. The fact is that only Arab baths (Banys Àrabs) have remained in the settlement, which was built in the X century. Located in the gardens of the Can Fontiroig estate, the baths fit perfectly into the surrounding landscape. It was once a gorgeous building, combining elements of Muslim, Roman and Byzantine cultures. Consolat de Mar is another deserving the title of "historical landmark" building, located in Palma. Built in 1306, it was a place where merchants and sailors could resolve disputes between them. The building is also interesting from an architectural point of view — especially its segmental arches, circular columns and balustrade amaze architects from all over the world.

There are several wonderful castles and fortifications on the island. Castell d ' Alaro, unfortunately, is ruined today. You can find the ruins on the hill of the settlement Alaro, which is located on the West coast of Mallorca. It was once an impregnable Moorish fortress, where an Arab General was able to hold out for two years after the Christian conquest of the island. The castle was destroyed in the XV century, but the former greatness is evidenced by the fact that it seemed to "break out" of the rock, towering over all the other green spaces. The best views of the castle can be found if you go along the Puig d'alaro road. Beautiful historical monuments are the towers of Torre del Verge (located in Bagnalbufara), as well as Torre de Canyamel (Capdepera), standing alone, like the indestructible defenders of the island.

Among the architectural monuments of Mallorca, it is difficult to distinguish one architectural building that could be safely called "the best". All the buildings are magnificent and were built with the greatest skill. For example, Palacio del Rei Sanc, nobles and famous personalities walked through its halls in the past. Among them — Frederic Chopin and George Sand, who chose the Palace as the place of their secret love meetings. Today, the music of the great composer plays here, classical music concerts are held, and you can learn the love story of two famous personalities. The interior of Majorca of the XIV century is preserved inside of the building. The Palace itself was built in 1309 and was originally only a hunting lodge. When expanded two years later, the building was more like a Palace. In 1399, the Palazzo was transferred to the Carthusian order.

Located in Palma on the Placa del Mercat, Edifici Casasayas and Pensión Menorquina are amazing masterpieces of art Nouveau architecture, designed by Roca Francesco and Guillem Reines. No less remarkable architectural monuments are the buildings Casa de las Medias and Fundacio La Caixa, which style at its construction (the beginning of the XX century) was chosen by the same Art Nouveau. It is difficult to pass by the buildings, they immediately attract attention, as if telling you that they are really worthy of a visit. And this is actually the truth — and the interior decoration matches perfectly with the gorgeous façade of the building. Llotja building, where you will find an art gallery and a cultural centre today, was built in the XV century by Guillermo Sagrera and was originally the city market. The building is interesting for its beautiful towers and an angel above the door.

Among other architectural attractions, Oficina Banco Santander building is another pearl of Catalan art Nouveau. The building was built by Gaudi's student Juan Rubio at the beginning of the XX century. The fascinating exterior of Sa Torre Cega mansion, which can be found in Cala Rathada (North-East of Mallorca), is another place that should be included in the tourist route around the island. The estate was built in 1915 by Guillem Reynes, visitors are interested in the garden framed by sculptures, fountains, as well as views from the balcony of the estate. A beautiful monument of medieval architecture is Els Calderers, which is located in San Juan (centre of the island). Among the modern sculptures interesting to tourists, it is worth highlighting Device to Root out Evil, which is located in Palma.

Since Mallorca is famous for its nature with picturesque views, there are many amazing viewing platforms. One of them is located in Formentor, in the North of the island (Mirador Es Colomer). Many tourists consider this place the most picturesque in Mallorca. No less attractive and lighthouses located on the island. They are not only objects which provide amazing views but also real historical monuments. Far de Capdepera and Far del Cap Salines are popular with travellers. Be sure to listen to stories from locals or guides about the history of these lighthouses. One of the symbols of the "old" Mallorca is the mill Molino de Santa Ponsa towering over the rest of the landscape. This place is perfect for those who love to take pictures.

There are several places for those who want to find privacy and enjoy a peaceful atmosphere. One of them is Jardines de Alfabia garden which is located in Palma. The Park is ideal for a leisurely walk on a hot summer day. Here you can enjoy the magnificent green landscapes and breathe in the fresh aroma of tropical plants, and hide from the heat. There is a small secluded chapel in Sollera, little known to tourists, but is the real "hidden treasure" of Mallorca. It is Church of Sa Capelleta, fascinating with its unusual look. It is also worth noting that almost every settlement of the island holds amazing shows in theatres and art cafes that reflect the culture of the island and help tourists to explore its customs and traditions.