By Kate McWilliams

Palma’s historical courtyards are regarded as one of the most representative architectural elements of Mallorca’s capital. The new guided tours available from 15^th September to 30^th October will transport guests on a historical journey through some of the most unique and characteristic courtyards of this historical city centre taking in the most typical areas of a traditional Mallorcan manor house.

The secrets of the Upper Town and Lower Town

Passing through ancient manor houses, these guided tours offer a unique opportunity to discover some of the architectural jewels of the city which rarely open to the public. The houses that boast these impressive courtyards are all either privately owned or managed by public agencies or educational or cultural institutions.

The route is divided into two paths: the courtyards of the upper city or the courtyards of the lower city.

Can Bordils-  Municipal Archive

Also known as the Can Villalonga-Escalada or Can Sureda-Zanglada, Can Bodils is one of the oldest and most well preserved houses in Palma. Rebuilt in the thirteenth century on Moorish foundations, the renaissance style of the facade windows correspond to a profound reform undertaken in 1554 by the Sureda-Zanglada’s family. 

Can Frontera- Ca Sa Galesa Hotel

Despite its Gothic past, Can Frontera maintains a modernist style due to the reforms made by the owner, engineer Joan Frontera Estelrich in the early twentieth century. A few years ago, this ancient palace was converted into a 5 star hotel. From the courtyard, the staircase is emphasised, starting at the flank of the arch of the entrance.

Can Berga

In the XVI and XVII centuries Can Berga was owned by the Santacilia’s family. In 1677, it was passed on to the Berga family. The courtyard is accessed by a portal arch, emblazoned with weapons by sculptor Joan Deyà Berga. In 1942, the building was sold to the Ministry of Justice who are the current owner.

Can Forteza del Sitjar

The roof of the courtyard consist of four arches resting on eight pillars displaying decorative acanthus leaves and crowns. The house is now used a convent school run by Trinitarian nuns and has undergone numerous reforms in order to be adapted for school use.

The route of Palma’s historical courtyards reconfirms the commitment of the Balearic Tourist Board for the cultural promotion of the islands. This initiative aims to facilitate the access to both history and art for locals and tourists alike.

Tours are available six days a week in English, Spanish, German and Catalan.

Routes:

Itinerary Upper Town

Starting point: Plaza de Cort

Approximate route:

1-Can Mesquida. C/ Almudaina,3.

2-Can Oms. C/Almudaina,7A

3-Can Bordils. C/Almudaina, 9

4-Can Feliu. C/ Estudi Genral, 15

5-Can Ordinas d’Almadrà. C/Morey, 8

6-Can Oleza. C/Morey,9

7-Can Salas. C/Puresa, 2

8-Can Frontera. Hotel Ca la Galesa. C/ Miramar, 8.

9-Cal Marqués de la Torre. Col·legi d’Arquitectes. C/Portella, 14

10-Can Morey-Sant Martí. Casa-Museu Joaquín Torrents Lladó. C/Portella, 14

11-Ca la Gran Cristiana. Museu de Mallorca. C/Portella, 5

12-Can Desclapés. La Puresa. C/ Puresa, 12.

13-Cal Comte de la Cova. Escola de Turisme Felipe Moreno. C/Sol,3.

14-Can Coll. Plaça de Sant Francesc, 10

15-Can Ribas de Pina. C/ Zavellà, 23

Itinerary Lower Town:

Starting point: Casal Sollerich

Approximate route: 

1-Casal Sollerich. Passeig des Born 27.

2-Can Sureda d’Artà – Centro Cultural Pelaires C/Verí

3-Can Verí. C/Verí8/10

4-Can Berga C/ Unió, 15

5-Can Ferrandell. Hotel Born. C/Sant Jaume, 3

6-Can Rullan. Fundació Barceló. C/Sant Jaume, 4

7-Cal Comte de San Simón. C/ Sant Jaume, 7.

8-Can Forteza del Sitjar.C/Concepció, 24

9-Can Castelló. C/Concepció, 12

10-Can Weyler. C/Pau, 5

11-Cal Comte de Montenegro. C/ Montenegro, 2.

12-Can Ripoll. Conselleria de Turisme.C/Montenegro,5

13-Can Marcel. C/ Sant Joan, 1

14-Can Chacon Conselleria d’Afers Socials. Plaça Drassana, 4

Timetables and languages:

	MONDAY	TUES	WED	THURS	FRI	SAT
10:00	German	Spanish	German	Spanish	German	Catalan
11:30	Spanish	German	Spanish	German	English	German
17:30	Spanish	English	Spanish	Spanish	Spanish
18:00	Catalan	Catalan	Catalan	Catalan	Catalan

Information

Timetables, information and bookings: Monday to Friday from 8am to 6.30pm. Saturday from 9am to 12.30pm. Tel. (+34) 971 720 720 / 636 430 000

Groups: 35 people max. Estimated duration: 2hrs. Price: 5 Euros.

50% discount for accredited retired, students and large family members.25% discount for cardholders of the Tarjeta Verde (from the Balearics Sustainable Foundation)