The courtyards (Patios) of Palma

Palma has an outstanding culture to offer and a special feature is the old town. The charming patios in this area reflects the history of the city. These small shadow oases are an essential part and a cutural herritage of Palma de Mallorca. Nowadays these are mostly private houses and their courtyards can only be seen through the gates.

As a Palmalover you cannot miss to visit the fantastic courtyards with its charisma and rich architectural heritage.

Discover them all... or rather not.

Palma's old town has more than seventy traditional courtyards, so you probably won't be able to discover all of them. Our recommendation for those who travel to Majorca is to get lost walking through the old town while discovering and admiring the variety of charming corners, with or without courtyards, that Palma has to offer.

But if you don't want to spend much time on holiday in Majorca or want to visit the main courtyards more efficiently, there are guided tours that take you on a very comprehensive tour of the basic courtyards.  

The Origin of the courtyards

Although of Roman origin, the courtyards of Palma gained their greatest popularity in the Gothic period of the thirteenth century. Its style was refined and stylized under the influence of the Baroque and Renaissance, 17th and 18th centuries, when many of the city's large mansions were built or renovated. The courtyard became a symbol of high economic power and social status. A luxury only few could afford.

The main patios of Palma

If you don't opt for a guided tour of the courtyards, here are the three main courtyards that you shouldn't miss when you travel to Palma from your villa in Majorca.

Cal Vivot: an essential baroque courtyard with arches, paving and even old carriages.

Cal Reguer: courtyard with arches and cobblestone floor, currently the headquarters of the “Círculo de Bellas Artes” (Fine Arts Circle).  You can have a coffee at the cafeteria inside. A curiosity: it is believed that it was the largest patio, but in the 19th century the owners covered a few sections, and now Can Berga is the largest courtyard.

Casal Solleric: 18th century house with a monumental double staircase and a contemporary art museum.

However you visit the patios, and even if you are not staying in Palma, it is worth taking a trip to the capital from your holiday home in Mallorca to enjoy this wonderful oases of shade.