Palma's Old Town - Real Estate, History, and Sights Show larger version

The Gothic Cathedral of Santa Maria, known locally as "La Seu," rises high into the sky at the harbor of the old town. It is one of the largest and most beautiful churches in the world. It was built—as was customary among Christians—on the remains of a mosque built by the Moors, beginning in 1230, consecrated in 1601, and only completed at the beginning of the 20th century with work on the main façade. Sunbeams stream through the magnificent stained-glass windows throughout the entire nave, creating a true play of light, which is why it is also called the "Cathedral of Light." Twice a year, at astronomically significant points, the rays of the rising sun, penetrating the world's largest rose window, form a magical figure of eight! This play of light is most beautiful in the morning.

Tip: Be sure to go right when it opens at 10 a.m. Real estate in the immediate vicinity of the cathedral is naturally exorbitantly expensive as prestige properties and is very rarely for sale.

The round castle Castell de Bellver, built in 1309, sits enthroned on the outskirts of the city at a height of 112 meters. Over the centuries, it has been rebuilt several times and served as a prison for a time. Today, it houses a museum of the city's history, sculptures, some preserved rooms, and a chapel. From the battlements, you have a spectacular view of the historic city. You can visit the castle daily from 10 a.m. for €2. Public transport takes you quite close, but you have to walk the last part.

Below the fortress, in the Gomila district, there are very beautiful villas, some of them neoclassical, as well as detached houses and small villas. The residential areas further towards the harbor, around the core of Gomila, i.e., Plaza Gomila, which until about 15 years ago was a hip nightlife and trendy district, have since become quite rundown, and the real estate options tend to be boring apartments in boring surroundings (unless you find something right on the front line), although Palma has done a lot to spruce up the area since 2022. Perhaps of interest to fully integrated residents who have lived and worked in Mallorca for a long time and feel at home there.

The imposing palace stands next to the cathedral and was converted from a former Arab fortress into a summer residence for the royal family in the 14th century. Even today, the palace is used as an official residence by the Spanish royal family during the summer months, so only a few rooms are open to visitors. The worthwhile guided tours show you Flemish tapestries, a Gothic salon, and a small, pretty chapel. You can relax with a stroll in the surrounding gardens. The rooms are open from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.