The Most Iconic Buildings in Palma
When we think of the most iconic buildings in Palma, the Cathedral, Bellver Castle, the city walls, and El Baluard likely come to mind. However, the capital of Mallorca hides other architectural marvels that might go unnoticed if you're not aware of them.
At Es Príncep, we love revealing the best spots in the city: where to find the best chocolate, the most picturesque bookstores, and the must-see museums.
In this spirit, today we’ll share some of Palma's most historic and intriguing buildings.
El Águila Department Store
On Colón Street, which connects Cort Square with Plaza Mayor, you'll find the iconic El Águila Department Store, part of Palma's modernist route.
This building, designed by Gaspar Benàzar and Jaume Alenyà in 1908, was originally intended for commercial purposes. Iron was used in its structure, which it shares on the ground floor with Can Forteza-Rey, as well as in its decorative elements.
Next time you stroll down this street, look up. The façade is striking not only for its modernist elements, reminiscent of Viennese trends in its layout and geometric composition, but also for its semi-circular arch, like that of a Viennese metro station.
The large openings in the façade were also functional, allowing light to flood the original stores.
La Casa Antigua de las Medias
We remain on Colón Street to visit La Casa Antigua de las Medias, designed by Lluís Forteza Rey, who seemed to be quite fond of Gaudí's style.
This 1906 building has five floors and is known as La Casa Antigua de las Medias because it houses a commercial space on the ground floor with a haberdashery of the same name.
Besides its triangular balconies, the materials used to decorate the façade are noteworthy: stone for the ground floor, visible tile up to the second floor, and a rough texture on the rest. The decoration features wooden panels with curvilinear mouldings reminiscent of vegetal motifs. The tile fragments also have a history, coming from the early period of the La Roqueta tile factory.
Cal Bauló and Cal Capità Fletxes: The Mansions of the Corsairs
During the 18th century, Cal Bauló was owned by Antoni Bauló, a corsair captain who lived there in 1715 before selling it to wealthy merchants, the Mataró family.
Capità Fletxes was another corsair, originally from Tarragona, who bought the house in 1683.
He was a very popular figure of his time, making a good living with a privateering license. His influence in society grew, and he even became the governor of the Mallorca fleet.
When he died, his wife sold the house to Jaume Sard, another corsair captain of the era, which is why the mansion is also known as Can Sard.
We recommend walking through Palma, carefully observing the façades, and looking up to discover structures you might never have imagined. To end your route, we suggest visiting another notable spot with many hidden gems: the Rooftop of Es Príncep and its wonderful views.