4 legends in Palma that will surprise you

Palma is filled with fascinating legends and tales. Over the centuries, its streets, historic buildings, and hidden corners have witnessed mysterious stories that reveal the magical and darker side of the island. Here, Es Príncep shares four of these legends that you may not know, and that will undoubtedly make you want to explore Palma with a different perspective.

The Enchanted Lady of Bellver Castle

The Bellver Castle, one of Palma’s most iconic landmarks, holds one of the city’s most haunting and romantic legends. As the story goes, within its dark corridors and towers resides the spirit of a young Mallorcan noblewoman, held captive in the fortress for years as a victim of forbidden love. The legend tells of her love for a man of humble origin, an unthinkable affair at the time, leading her family to imprison her to prevent the romance.

Her sorrow and isolation ultimately took her life, and since then, many visitors claim to see a pale, melancholy woman wandering the castle’s corridors and towers. Those who have encountered the Enchanted Lady say she only appears on moonlit nights, floating in a white dress that fades into the night’s darkness. However, others believe this is merely an illusional blend of the castle’s mystical architecture and tricks of the light.

The Ghost of the Monastery of La Real

The Monastery La Real, founded in the 13th century, is another place steeped in paranormal history. Located on the outskirts of Palma, this sacred and spiritual site is also home to the legend of a wandering ghost. The story goes that centuries ago, a monk fell in love with a young peasant woman, breaking his vows. Overcome with guilt and regret, he devoted himself to a life of penance and prayer until his health deteriorated, and he died alone.

Since his death, monks and visitors to the Monastery report hearing prayers and whispers in the empty rooms, as if the monk’s spirit is still seeking redemption. Sometimes, they even claim to see a hooded figure silently moving through the hallways.

The Hand of the Virgin of Almudaina

One of Palma’s most curious and lesser-known legends is the tale of the Virgin of Almudaina. In Mallorca’s Cathedral, also known as La Seu, there is an image of the Virgin, which, according to tradition, was miraculously saved during a pirate raid in the 16th century.

The legend says that as the church was being looted, a pirate tried to steal the Virgin’s crown. Upon touching it, he felt an invisible force stopping him and saw the Virgin’s hand move. Terrified, he fled from the church, and the other pirates abandoned the looting.

The Dragon of Temple Tower

Temple Tower, in Palma’s old town, is a medieval building full of history and secrets. Once the residence of the Knights Templar in Mallorca, it became shrouded in dark and mysterious legends. One of the best-known tales is that of a dragon said to have lived in the tower’s underground passages.

This beast, known as the "Drac de na Coca," was rumored to terrorize the people of Palma at night, emerging from its lair in search of food. The townspeople lived in fear, believing the dragon to be a demonic guardian left by the Templars to protect their secrets.

However, the legend claims that on particularly stormy nights, a distant roar can still be heard echoing from Temple Tower.

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