This walking tour is an absolute must for all those interested in architecture and art - particularly contemporary art fans. It will give you an insight into the many colorful characters - the artists, the architects and the benefactors - that have helped shape Palma into the sophisticated city that it is today. As we walk around this beautiful and historic city, firstly we'll visit the magnificent Gothic Cathedral and from there we'll follow a route that incorporates more Gothic architecture as well as some of the city's Modernist heritage; we'll visit Es Baluard the contemporary art gallery and the various "Foundations" or cultural institutes, which are the permanent home to many Spanish masterpieces. You'll be amazed!

Palma de Mallorca Cathedral or ‘La Seu’, as it is known on the island, is the jewel in the crown of Mallorcan architecture and this is where we'll start our tour. This is one of the most magnificent and revered Gothic buildings in Europe. Its origins stem from the very beginnings of the Christian take over of the island in the 13th century, but it took so long to complete that it encompasses almost all artistic styles since the Middle Ages. It has a long list of well-known architects and craftsmen as contributors, including Antonio Gaudí and Joan Rubió.

Palma is an absolute feast for contemporary art fans - there are Joan Miró sculptures everywhere especially around the Cathedral in Parc de la Mar. Of course, Joan Miro and Mallorca are inextricably connected (his mother and his wife were from the island, and Miro lived and worked here for 40 years), and many examples of his work are on display in the galleries. We'll visit Es Baluard, the contemporary art gallery, where you'll be bowled over by the building itself (let alone the collection inside!), with its large top terrace with fabulous sculptures, and the best views of Palma. At the contemporary art gallery Palau March in the heart of historic Palma, we'll see works by Picasso, Miró and Dalí all in one room! This museum has one of the best collections of contemporary Spanish art you'll find outside Madrid, Barcelona and Valencia...

We'll see further works by contemporaries of Gaudí and his disciple Joan Rubió on our route, and other highlights include a visit to Joaquín Torrents Lladó's museum. This fabulous courtyard building was originally home to the flamboyant playboy artist, and now - since Lladó's sudden death in 1993 - it houses over 120 of his works: oils, drawings, watercolors, sculptures, and other personal objects.

Few people realize that there is such a wealth of culture and history waiting to be discovered in Mallorca's capital city Palma, and here, we've only described a few of the highlights. This tour is an absolute treat. It's a full day out and although it's easy flat walking, you'll need stamina as there is a lot to see and a lot to take in! However, we'll take a break at lunch time and restore our energy levels with a "menu del día" at one of Palma's traditional restaurants (an experience in itself!).

Highlights

Oh, where to begin...?

Price & Booking procedure

The price is 50 euros per person, which includes guided walk and lunch. Please note the price does not include entrance to the galleries, the Cathedral or transport. Everyone is expected to make their own way to our meeting point in Palma.

Please call or email us to book your place. Detailed meeting instructions will be sent to you before the date scheduled.