The Museum and the Birth Place of Fray Juniper Serra, commemorates the birthplace and achievements of the Blessed Fray Junipero Serra. He founded the mission chain in California, U.S.A. in the 17th Century and was beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 25, 1988. The museum, which is housed in a classic Mallorcan styled building, has a garden with palm trees and plaques on the portico. The museum treasures the life and work of Fray Juniper Serra through paintings, reliefs, prints, medals, sculptures and photographs. The museum provides vital insights about the nature of work done by Fray Junipero Serra. An apt venue for a historic outing.
Being the only remnants of the now-extinct town of Medina Mayurqa, these historic baths dating from the 10th to the 12th Centuries have stood up well against the test of time. Originally thought to be a part of some nobleman's house, the baths now serve as a major tourist attraction for visitors to the island. In its heyday it served as the social hub of the city for gatherings, ceremonies, or even just to relax. This bath was most likely constructed from leftover ruins from the Roman Empire. You'll notice that each of the columns is unique, leading archaeologists to believe that this is an early example of recycling.
The Placa d'Espanya is a beautiful square located in the heart of Mallorca. It provides you with unparalleled scenic views and a relaxed, calm atmosphere. A favorite with locals and visitors, this square is ideal for a walk or just to sit back and take it easy on one of the numerous benches. It features pretty fountains that by night turned into a visual wonder. Eclectic music and vibrant lights give such an effect that the fountains seems to be virtually dancing. Placa d'Espanya is surely a must visit when in Mallorca.
On the 3rd of October in 1972, this museum came to with the help of the Apostolic Administrator Bishop of Majorca. The museum had its start in 1775 by order King Felipe V with over 5,000 printed works, 35 of which were incunables. It was later moved in the 1950's to coincide with the present building that was built at the time. There is a vast collection of religious art and relics including a large reptile that was slayed by the Governor of Alcudia. It was said to be a dragon, but you can judge for yourself. Entrance is EU2.
Spanning some of the most artistic movements of the mid-20th century including such artists as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Juan Gris and Salvador Dalí, this museum is one of the most visited spots on the island. With a total of 52 artists represented, the museum hosts cultural activities, classes and lectures, concerts for children, and other activities. In 2003 an assembly hall was built for added exhibition space and meetings. Visitors are able to purchase many museum-inspired gifts at the museum shop located on-site and entrance is free.
The museum was created in 1976 and has been a staple in providing visitors a background history to the Island as well as an insight into the influences of local and national artists. Throughout the 16th century building in which the museum is located, witness an ancient pottery workshop, a burial cave, as well as a life-sized reconstruction of a prehistoric tower. Various exhibitions include the evolution of weapons among the early settlers of the Island as well as rooms dedicated to the Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance periods.
A glorious ode to the French Gothic style, Palma Cathedral seems to ascend from the ocean with its flying buttresses and golden-hued sandstone walls perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The cathedral's high ceilings and gorgeous rose windows inlaid with stunning stained glass adds a sense of light and space to the interiors as the sunlight streams in bathing the columned aisles with a warm, multi-hued glow. Master architect Anton Gaudi left his mark on the cathedral in the form of a fascinating Crown of Thorns that's suspended over the altar, wrought from cork and cardboard. Among the cathedral's many gems, the Portal del Mirador, an ornate door designed by Guillem Sagrera depicting scenes from the Last Supper is worth a look.
Situated inside the renaissance city wall, the Es Baluard - Modern & Contemporary Art Museum houses many works that have been contributed by institutions such as The Palma Town Council, the Mallorcan Council, the Balearic Autonomous Community and the savings bank Sa Nostra. Most of the works, however, belong to the businessman Pere Serra who has allowed the museum to put on exhibition most of his stunning collection. The building is constructed of white concrete and features many artists including Picasso, Miró, Tàpies, and Barceló. There is also a restaurant and gift shop.
From a luxurious castle built for King James II in the 14th century to a military prison in the 18th and 19th centuries, Bellver Castle bears testament to Palma de Mallorca's centuries-old history. After the Spanish inquisition, it was later used in the 1930's by dictator Franco to imprison insurgents during the Spanish Civil War. Today, it is one of the most visited sites on the island, offering visitors a spectacular vista of Palma and its surrounding areas that have earned it its name 'Bellver' the word meaning 'beautiful view' in Catalan. A unique feature of this medieval castle is its round shape. The circular freestanding keep is surrounded by three cylindrical towers that look out in three directions while the two-leveled courtyard exhibits architectural styles like vaulted Gothic archways. The castle contains the Municipal Museum of Palma with a permanent collection chronicling the city's rich history.
On the sunny Mediterranean island of Mallorca, what better place to go than the beach? The Playa de Palmanova is the middle beach and one of three sandy beaches in the bay of Palma. The beach is a perfect getaway for families or couples or for a solitary retreat to teal water and white sand. You could also indulge in a game of beach volleyball, work on your tan or take a quick dip in the pristine blue bay.
A popular getaway on Mallorca's southwest coast, Magaluf is a vacation destination par excellence. Its pristine white-gold sands rim turquoise waters, home to a host of marine life. This makes it ideal for everything from sunbathing to snorkelling, diving and other watersports. Besides nature's beauty, the town is host to attractions like the popular Western Water Park while along the famed 'strip' the party kicks off post sunset, drawing revelers who pub crawl till dawn.
The Artà Caves are situated in the coast of Canyamel, the east side of Mallorca, and have been visited by the inhabitants of the island for centuries. Visitors enjoy and admire the imperturbable beauty of nature. Come see its extraordinary stalactites and stalagmites in curious shapes. The most famous feature of the cave is its 22-meter-tall stalactite, which is known as the Queen of Columns. Visits to the cave takes 25 to 40 minutes, and guided tours in Spanish, German, English and French are available. Admission charges are 10 and 12€, depending on which entrance you take.