1.Cathedral Palma De Mallorca:
The magnificently beautiful Palma Cathedral is one of the most enduring images of Mallorca. The imposing structure of the Cathedral is located in the old quarter of the city. The Majorcan ruler- Jaime I begun the construction in 1230, which was finished in 1601. The grand Gothic design is beautiful. The most magnificent feature of the cathedral is the huge door which is also known as Mirador, or “Puerta del Mar”. It features works from celebrated artists such as Pedro de Moret and Juan de among others. The Trinity Chapel holds the bodies of Jaime II and Jaime III. However, it’s not open to visitors.
The bell tower is 52 meter high with three ogive-arched stories. It holds nine bells, the most famous of which is the “N’Eloi”. It is 2 meter in diameter; it weighs more than 4,517 kilos.
There is a small museum inside the Cathedral which gives information about the Cathedral’s history. Guided tours are also offered for a more detailed and informative visit.
Plaza Almoina,
S/n 07003 Palma (Majorca)
Tel. +34 971723130
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2.The Almudaina Palace.
This palace is located just next to the Cathedral. The solid protective wall of the palace is intact even today. The fortress was modified by Jaime I as he wanted it to be his summer palace. There are four fortified towers, a portico and several other additions to the original design. There is also a Royal Chapel which is also known as Chapel of Saint Anne. There are numerous pieces of antique furniture and artwork such as paintings and tapestries inside the castle.
The courtyard of the castle is equally beautiful with pretty gardens, shady green trees and several beautiful fountains.
Today, it houses the Harbour Office of the Balearics.
Calle Palau Reial,
S/n 07001, Palma (Majorca)
Tel. +34 971719145
3.The Bellver Castle:
The castle sits on the top of a hill overlooking the Bay of Palma. This is the only castle in Spain which is totally circular in design. It was started by Jaime II and is standing for almost 700 years now. Three large towers surround a central courtyard, connected by an arch to a free standing keep. The courtyard itself is on two levels, the ground floor with semicircular arches and a flat roof, the upper level with Gothic arches and rib-vaulting. The castle was used for different purposes throughout history. It was the summer residence of the royal family, and later was used as a military prison.
But now, its unique architectural style and the history behind it attract many visitors to it. From the roof of the castle, you can enjoy breath-taking views of the bay and the city below. Palma's museum of municipal history is situated inside where a record of the development of the city through its artifacts, with pottery from Talaiotic, Roman, Arab and Spanish periods can be seen. Concerts are also organized here occasionally.
Calle Camilo Jose Cela,
17 07003 Palma (Majorca)
Tel. +34 971730657
4.The Drach Caves (Dragon Caves)
These naturally formed caves receive the most number of visitors in Mallorca. The caves are located on the east coast of the island. They are world famous for their beautiful design formed over the ages. Huge stalactites and stalagmites form an uncanny design. The caves are situated underground at a depth of 25 meters, and extend for over a mile. The enormous underground lake- Martel lake- is one of the biggest subterranean lakes in the world.
There is a splendid, purpose built auditorium and you have to book your seat here before entering. Here, a string orchestra floats by on tiny, illuminated boats. Part of the journey back to the top is by boat. The caves attract hundreds of thousands of visitors every year and can be very crowded in the summer months.
Timetables: 1 November to 31 March, 10.45am, 12pm, 2pm and 3.30pm. 1 April to 31 October, 10am, 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm, 4pm and 5pm.
Closed: 1 January and 25 December.
Entry fee: 9.50 Euro
Free: children under 7 years.
Services: the visit includes a short concert of classical music at Martel Lake
Website: http://www.cuevasdeldrach.com |