Spain

Sights to see

Every human interest of any race and culture will find home in Mallorca: the sea for ocean lovers, beach bums, yacht folks, divers, water sportsmen. Party for the untamed, concerts for music lovers, romance for lovers, wining and dining for epicures, shopping for the shopaholics, celebrities for the paparazzi, agriculture tours for the earthbound, mountains to scale, cliffs to spellbind, caves and coves to explore鈥nd on and on.

Take a virtual tour and drool: http://www.red2000.com/spain/baleares/mallorca/photo.html.

The pearl of the Balearic is Palma de Majorca, the island鈥檚 capital and cultural center, where all roads lead to the world-renowned impressive gothic cathedral. Constructed from the 14th to 19th century, it was superbly renovated in the 20th century by Gaud铆. La Ciutat, as the Mallorquines call it, houses half of the island鈥檚 total population, draws some magic all its own as history dances with modernity to the rhythm of the Mediterranean sea.

Just a few of the myriad must-sees in Palma: Puerta del Mirador, or door to the sea, one of architect Guillen Sagrera鈥檚 masterpieces. Inside are the chapels Capilla Real and Capilla de la Trinidad, and a museum with masterworks of the Baroque epoch. La Almudaina, The Royal Palace, constructed over the remains of the Muslim Alcazar, was where the kings lived. La Lonja, the epitome of Gothic civil architecture in all of the Mediterranean area, also by Sagrera is now a Museum of Arts. Consulado del Mar, with an outstanding Renaissance gallery of 17th century, is the seat of the autonomous government.

Paseo del Borne

Here lies the historical heartbeat of the center鈥攙ibrant, lively, with characteristic Italian flavor, complete with narrow medieval lanes, elegant 19th century palaces.

Between Cathedral and Plaza de Cort

Traipse through the annals of time while you check out ancient palaces and structures: Colom, Villalonga, Oleo, Truyols, Oleza, the Archiepiscopal Palais, the church Iglesia de San Francisco, amazing Arabian Baths, one of very few remains of the Moorish epoch at Mallorca.

Castillo de Bellver

This superlative fortress built by Per茅 Salv谩 in Gothic times stands proud and handsome atop a hill close to the historical center, belying its original purpose for being鈥攖o blast invaders of Mallorca.
As with the rest of Spain, MUSEUMS abound as testament to their immense culture of art and history. Some from the top of the list:

Museu de Mallorca

Mallorca Museum (Carrer de sa Portella 5, close to the Mallorca Cathedral Tel: +34 971 717 540), believed to be the best of the Balearic Islands, full of located prehistoric artifacts like Moorish ceramics, medieval and Baroque paintings, and essential pieces of now non-existent buildings. Hours: April to September: Tues to Sat - 10:00 to 14:00 and 17:00 to 20:00, Sunday - 10:00 to 14:00; October to March: Tues to Sat - 10:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 18:00, Sunday 10:00 to 14:00, Admission fee.

Museu d'Art Espanyol Contemporani

(Carrer Sant Miquel 11, Tel: +34 971 713 515), Spanish contemporary art paintings and sculptures are from unknown and renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro and Salvador Dali. Hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 18:30, Saturday - 10:00 to 13:30, Admission fee.

Museu Municipal

(Carrer Santo Domingo, Tel: +34 971 530 437), a huge compilation of revered Gothic art, archaeological finds and a small collection of modern paintings. Hours: Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, Admission fee http://www.mallorcaspain.net/mallorca-leisure.asp

And, there are endless PARKS AND GARDENS

Mallorca鈥檚 parks and gardens include many that were privately owned by the island's nobility. Words would not do justice to describe these mind-blowing slices of heaven. To see is to believe.

Natural Parks
http://www.mallorcaspain.net/mallorca-town-parks.asp

Exotic Gardens
http://www.mallorcaspain.net/mallorca-gardens.asp

Fun Water Parks
http://www.mallorcaspain.net/mallorca-water-parks.asp

http://www.red2000.com/spain/baleares/mallorca/city.html

http://www.nationalgeographic.com/adventure/travel/mallorca.html?fs=www3...