Culture & history in Majorca
Majorca boasts over five thousand years of culture and history and has been successfully occupied by the Carthaginians, Romans and the Moors, while the Christian Crusaders ousted the Arab rulers in the early 13th century.
It was the Romans who left the greatest mark on culture and history in Majorca and there are numerous archaeological sites spread around the island, while many churches from the days of the Crusaders remain standing.
Majorca has seen numerous battles throughout the ages and many fortifications are still standing as testament to the days of the attacking Aragón and other invaders. Majorca eventually fell to the Spanish and was unified with the mainland in the 15th century; it has remained part of Spain ever since.
Since the 1960s and ‘70s, Majorca has enjoyed a healthy rise in tourism due to the advent of the passenger airliner, and millions of tourists and returning visitors come to its shores every year to sample its fine beaches and proud culture and history.
Palma de Majorca (Palma)
The capital of Majorca is also the cultural and historical heart of the island, the highlight of which is the huge Gothic cathedral (La Seu) in the centre of the historic quarter. Complete with flying buttresses and massive stained glass windows, the cathedral took hundreds of years to build and looks its best when it is illuminated at night.
Standing opposite the cathedral is the stunning Palau de l’Almudaina, originally built as an Arab fortress and then later used by the Royal Family. The palace and gardens can be toured in the daytime, while the rest of the historic quarter is also worth exploring as it is loaded with wonderful examples of Baroque and Renaissance style buildings.
Museum lovers should head to Museu de Majorca, a big attraction that should not be missed. The museum contains a myriad of interesting artefacts and equally intriguing is the building it is located in, a 15th century palace.
However, Palma does not steal all of the limelight with regard to culture and history in Majorca as there are some outstanding buildings located in some of the ancient hilltop villages that congregate on the slopes of the magnificent Sierra de Tramuntana.
Foremost among these is the delightful village of Valldemossa, Majorca’s highest town, situated in the mountains to the northwest of Palma. Among other delights, the Carthusian Monastery (La Cartuja), with its palatial cells, brilliant museum and lovely gardens, is a highlight. La Cartuja is Majorca’s second most adored building after the cathedral in Palma.
The equally pretty nearby mountain villages of Deia and Soller also have some charming cultural and historical attractions. Deia is loved for its brilliantly constructed old buildings and the charm of its main street, while Soller is littered with plazas and gardens, and the main square, Plaça de la Constitució, has a beautiful Gothic church.
In the north of the island, Alcudia is known for its many Roman remains, notably the amphitheatre, as well as its excellent museum, while nearby Pollentia also has some important archaeological sites. South of Alcudia and northeast of Palma is the fairly uninspiring town of Santa Margalida, but it is in its surroundings where the treasures lie; there are more than one hundred important archaeological sites here.
Old fishing calas (bays) and harbours, many of which have been here for hundreds of years, are dotted around the island, particularly on the east coast. The traditional Spanish way of life continues in many of these villages and sitting at a traditional harbourside restaurant eating the catch of the day is a great way to enjoy an unforgettable Spanish cultural experience.
