The history of Mallorca (Majorca) goes way back to the Talayotic period some 5000 years ago. Since then the island, and the whole Balearic archipelago, have passed through 3 major cultural epochs. First the Romans, who effectively founded the city of Palma as we know it today, then the Arabs, who introduced a wealth of culture and technological innovations, and finally the Christians, who were responsible for the construction of some of Palma's most defining buildings, like The Cathedral and The Castle of Bellver. All of them left their mark on the island, each manifesting itself in different but equally important ways, be it culture, language, architecture or cuisine.
We're so passionate about Palma's cultural heritage that we've compiled a 2 hour audio guide of Mallorca's (Majorca's) fascinating history and its most famous historical sites. It'll take you on a captivating trip back in time through the old streets of this enchanting town. Everything from Parc de la Mar to the Diocesan Museum is covered in detail, including huge chapters on The Palau March, The Almudaina Palace and of course The stunning Cathedral. (If you don't know what an audio guide is, or how it works, please click here).
So if you'd like to get your head out of the guide books and start learning about this amazing archipelago and its capital, plug in your earphones and start looking around! Let me do the talking while you engage in Palma's intriguing history, marvel at its stunning architecture and gasp at some breathtaking views. And all at your own pace! To find out more information on the Mallorca audio guide and to listen to more samples click here.
If you'd like to listen to the entire history of Mallorca (Majorca) click here.
Did you know...
...if you kneel at the alter in Palma's Cathedral you are actually facing Mecca, like a Muslim, not, as you might expect, Jerusalem?
...that the name Balearics actually refers to the ancient inhabitants of the island?
...there are over 4000 words in the Spanish language that are Arabic in origin?
...mayonnaise comes from Mahon in Menorca?
...Palma wasn't the most important city in Mallorca/Majorca during the Roman occupation?
...a Mallorcan/Majorcan man was instrumental in the founding of San Diego and San Francisco?
...Spain only emerged from a dictatorship a little over 40 years ago?
...Frederick Chopin and his mistress, the writer George Sand, lived on the island?
...the Mediterranean Sea used to reach all the way to Palma's city walls?
...the lake in Parc de la Mar was created for one specific purpose?
...the King's Garden used to hold many wild beasts like lions, bears and wolves?
...the man who commissioned the construction of the Palau March was one of the richest men in Spain (and also a swindler and pirate!)?
...the Convent of San Domingo was one of the most beautiful and important buildings in Palma, before its demolition?
...the Palau March museum holds over 30 illustrative works by Salvador Dali?
...the Castle of Bellver is witness to a unique architectural design?
...the Parliament of the Balearics used to be the headquarters for an exclusive club that existed in the 19th Century?
...the Arabs ruled the Balearics for more than 4 centuries?
...Gaudi spent a total of 13 years labouring on Plama's Cathedral?
...the gigantic rose window in the Cathedral is formed from 1236 pieces of stained glass?
...the colours of the rhomboid pieces that form the marquee in Ses Voltes correspond to the banners of the island's boats?
...the Diocesan Museum holds some of the most important Gothic works of art in all of Spain and also some fascinating pieces by Gaudi?
...all this and much, much more constitutes only part 1 of the audio guide for Palma de Mallorca/Majorca?
If you would like to read more about these fascinating facts you could start with The History of Mallorca, but if you'd like to hear more about them, and many others, take a look at the audio guide for Palma de Mallorca.
We're so passionate about Palma's cultural heritage that we've compiled a 2 hour audio guide of Mallorca's (Majorca's) fascinating history and its most famous historical sites. It'll take you on a captivating trip back in time through the old streets of this enchanting town. Everything from Parc de la Mar to the Diocesan Museum is covered in detail, including huge chapters on The Palau March, 
So if you'd like to get your head out of the guide books and start learning about this amazing archipelago and its capital, plug in your earphones and start looking around! Let me do the talking while you engage in Palma's intriguing history, marvel at its stunning architecture and gasp at some breathtaking views. And all at your own pace! To find out more information on the 
