| A working city Palma is home to half the islands | | | | of glass. |
| population. Palma is the capital of the Balearic Islands | | | | Bellver Castle is about 3km from the city centre and |
| and is the cultural hub of the island. Despite having | | | | is over 112m above sea level. It is the home of the |
| become a modern city Palma has retained its culture | | | | history Museum and construction began on the castle |
| charm and its old town. Millions of visitors pass | | | | in 1309 by King James 11. Palma City Council care for |
| through its airport every year and is Palmas main | | | | the castle and the surrounding woodlands. The |
| industry and also has the largest port in Mallorca with | | | | terraces of the castle offer panoramic view over the |
| a working fishing fleet. | | | | city and bay. |
| Outside the tourist season Palmas streets can be | | | | The palace is opposite the Cathedral and overlooks |
| peaceful. Palma livens up briefly on New Years Eve | | | | the harbour. On visiting the palace you will find most |
| for the festa de lestendard which celebrates the end | | | | of the rooms and corridors empty but will impressed |
| of the year. The wildest night is 23 June when | | | | with the gardens that surround the palace. |
| bonfires and music celebrate the summer solstice. | | | | Art lovers are well catered for by two grand new |
| Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week | | | | public exhibition spaces the Palau March featuring the |
| when hooded penitents in coloured robes | | | | work of such international sculptors as Rodin and |
| representing the islands 50 brotherhoods file solemnly | | | | Henry Moore, and the Es Baluard museum of modern |
| through the streets of Palma. | | | | Spanish art. |
| Some of Palma attraction are the castle of Bellver | | | | The pearls of Mallorca are made from natural marine |
| the Royal Palace and the Cathedral. | | | | products and there produces 50 million artificial pearls |
| The Cathedral of Palma is a Gothic style building that | | | | every year. |
| was built over 300 hundreds years ago and it is know | | | | Avinguda Jaume 111 is the newest street and best |
| by the locals as La Seu. The Cathedral is a landmark | | | | know street in the city for shopping. |
| of the city. The Cathedral has one of the worlds | | | | Many of the bar are owned by British or Germans. |
| largest stained glass window containing 1236 pieces | | | | People in Palma do not go out until 10. |