Free City Walls Tour Palma de Mallorca
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The Free Tour of the City Walls of Palma de Mallorca is a journey through the heart of the island's capital, uncovering the rich medieval history that has shaped this fascinating city. Palma's ancient walls, originally constructed in the 11th century, were fortified during the reign of King Jaume II in the 14th century, offering protection against pirate attacks and foreign invasions. This tour allows you to explore these historical defenses up close, from grand gates to ancient towers. The walls were crucial during the island’s struggles with piracy in the Mediterranean, and their structure reflects the defensive strategies of the time. Walk along the paths that once safeguarded the city and learn how Palma grew around these protective barriers, all while guided by a local expert.
Along the tour, you’ll see the La Lonja, built in the 15th century as a maritime trading hub. This Gothic marvel was essential in establishing Palma as a major commercial port in the Mediterranean. Nearby, the tour continues to the Jardines del Rey, a medieval garden of Andalusian origin that dates back to the Moorish period. You'll also stop at the Palma Cathedral, commonly known as La Seu, which was constructed on the site of a former mosque after the Christian reconquest in the 13th century. The cathedral’s design reflects the evolution of Gothic architecture over centuries, with its magnificent rose window, one of the largest in the world. Surrounding this area, ancient Roman ruins and traces of the city’s Muslim past serve as a reminder of Palma’s rich, multi-layered history.
Other highlights include La Portella, one of the few gates that have survived intact since medieval times. You’ll also see the Residence of Comte Mal, whose tower is steeped in local legends—it's said that the devil himself aided in its construction during the 15th century. Further along, the Arab Baths, a rare remnant from the time of Moorish rule in the 10th century, reveal what life was like under Islamic rule. The tour also passes through the Jewish Quarter and the Convent of Santa Clara, areas filled with centuries of cultural history. Finally, the tour ends at the Prince’s Bastion and the Gumara Tower, built by the Berbers in the 11th century and later repurposed by the Knights Templar. Book this tour to uncover the fascinating layers of Palma's history, from the Middle Ages to the present!