In Palma in Majorca, one of the Balearic Islands, you’ll find numerous examples of modernist architecture. Discover them through some of its most outstanding buildings, including works by architects such as Antoni Gaudí, Lluís Domenech and Joan Rubió i Bellver.
A stroll around the historic quarter of Palma will soon reveal the influence of Modernism in its streets. You can either explore them at your own pace or take part in a guided visit.
One of the most representative Modernist constructions is the Gran Hotel, a mature work by Lluís Domenech located in the Plaza Weyler square and today the site of the CaixaForum cultural centre and exhibition venue. The building dates from the early 20th century and had a great influence on the local architects, who interpreted Catalan Modernism in their own way, thereby giving rise to their own distinctive style.
You’ll find examples of the style known as ‘Majorcan art nouveau’ as you stroll around the area near the squares of El Mercat (Can Casasayas, also known as Pensión La Menorquina) and Cort (Can Corbella), and as you go down Calle Colom street (Casa de las Medias, Can Forteza Rey and the shop El Àguila). Continuing in this direction you’ll come to Palma Cathedral, La Seu. Its interior, in whose reform Antoni Gaudí and his assistant Rubió i Bellver took part, there are clear examples of Modernist decoration.
From La Seu, if you continue towards the sea along Antonio Maura avenue, you’ll come to Can Mulet and Can Salas, whose façades display a more austere style of Modernism. In front of the Real Club Náutico de Palma, in Sagrera avenue, stands the Can Coll building, with an interesting frame around the main doorway.
Majorcan Modernism can also be seen outside the historic quarter. There are examples in the surroundings of the Plaza de España square, in the area of El Ensanche, the Sa Feixina Park and in Joan Miró avenue, and the areas of Santa Catalina and El Terreno.
Things to remember:
The guided visits start from the Plaza Cort square, and are available in Spanish and German. Reservations are required; call +34 971720720.
If you want to visit these attractions at your own pace, the tourist offices in Palma will provide you with a map which identifies the most important examples of Modernist architecture.
The route around the Modernist buildings in the historic centre can be done at a leisurely pace in about two hours.
