Plaça Mayor

Here you are in the heart of a beautiful enclosed square, surrounded by those perfectly symmetrical yellow arcades - you've guessed it, you're standing in Palma's Plaça Mayor, right in the center of the old town! This is actually the city's largest square, built on the site where the old San Felipe Neri convent once stood. Now, here's where the history gets rather dark. Until 1823, this was the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition - that notorious institution created by the Catholic Monarchs to maintain order in their kingdom by forcing religious unity at any cost. We're talking about the expulsion of Jews, persecution of converted Jews, forced conversion of Muslims, and later the expulsion of Moriscos - that's converted Muslims. Add to that witch hunts, heresy trials, persecution of homosexuality, blasphemy charges... well, let's just say it wasn't exactly a charming period in history. Officially, the Inquisition was abolished in 1812, but it actually continued operating until 1834. So in 1823, when the Inquisition finally moved out, city planners began dreaming up this magnificent square ten years later. The first wing was completed in 1838, but construction actually continued right into the early 1900s. Today, the Plaça Mayor has completely transformed into a vibrant social and cultural hub. Its 3,000 square meters are packed with lively bars, restaurants, local craft shops, and street performers. It's always buzzing with activity and gives you a perfect taste of authentic Mallorcan life!