Art and culture in Mallorca: a journey through its historical heritage

Thanks to its strategic location in the Mediterranean, the island of Mallorca has been a place of identity for numerous cultures and peoples, who have left their mark, since ancient times. Each of these civilisations has contributed to the fact that the largest of the Balearic Islands has a rich cultural heritage with unique characteristics that are reflected in its traditions, gastronomy, folklore, handicrafts and the museums of Mallorca.

At ROIG, not only do we want to offer you an easy way to get around the island, but we’re also going to take you on a journey through Mallorca’s historical heritage, art and culture. Read on to find out more.

Monuments to discover the culture of Mallorca

As we have already mentioned, the Balearic Islands have been the scene of different civilisations and each of them has left its heritage legacy. In Mallorca, you will find archaeological sites, buildings, historical monuments of great value and a wide variety of impressive artistic expressions. We recommend that you take a route around the historical monuments to discover the culture of Mallorca.

Mallorca Cathedral

We begin with one of the best monuments to see in Palma de Mallorca: the Cathedral of Mallorca. This building is the symbol par excellence of the city, and it is a cathedral built between the 14th and 16th centuries, a perfect example of Gothic architecture.

When you walk in, you will be able to discover part of Mallorca’s artistic heritage, with works from different periods, such as Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Contemporary.

Royal Palace of La Almudaina

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is a building located very close to the Cathedral in Palma. It is the official residence of the Spanish monarchs on the island and is open to the public, so you can visit its luxurious rooms and courtyards. 

It is also home to the chapel of Santa Ana, a Gothic-Roman construction with a Pyrenean marble entrance that will leave you speachless.

The Lluc Sanctuary

The Lluc Sanctuary is one of the most important religious monuments in Mallorca and the island’s place of pilgrimage. This sanctuary is located in the heart of the Tramuntana mountain range and is surrounded by nature. 

There, you will also find a botanical garden, a house of spirituality, a museum, a shelter and some restaurants. Don’t miss the archaeological remains of the Cometa dels Morts.

Llotja de Palma

La Llotja de Palma, is a Gothic-style fish-market built by the famous architect Guillem Sagrera. On the outside you will find four corner towers and large windows on its walls. You will also spend hours contemplating the richness of each of the sculptural elements on its two façades.

Alaró Castle

Alaró Castle is one of the best castles in Mallorca and this is why we wanted to include it in our selection of monuments that you must visit on the island. It is the first building that was erected after the arrival of the Saracens to Mallorca and, currently, only five towers remain standing. This castle has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and is located in the Tramuntana mountain range.

Museums and art galleries to visit in Mallorca

When you think of Majorca, the first things that come to mind are its beaches and paradisiacal landscapes. But what if we tell you that here you can contemplate some of the works of art that have marked the history of the island? The art galleries in Mallorca show that this has been the home of great artists over the last centuries. These are the best art museums in Mallorca to visit.

Museum of Mallorca

If you like history, the Museum of Mallorca is an essential stop on your itinerary. It is located on Carrer de Portella in Palma and is housed inside an old Baroque palace built in the 16th century, which is practically intact. 

Through its rooms you can take a tour that goes from prehistoric times to the 19th century on the island. It is worth highlighting a display of Modernist-style ceramics, which is its most visited exhibition.

Can Prunera

Can Prunera is a modernist museum located in an old house built at the beginning of the 20th century in Sóller. In this space, natural forms combine to welcome visitors, who will tour one of the most iconic buildings on the island. 

The house-museum hosts a collection of contemporary art from the 19th and 20th centuries by national and international artists, covering very different styles ranging from the most conventional academicism to the pictorial avant-garde, with the creations of Joan Miró standing out.

Es Baluard

Es Baluard is one of the largest and best-known museums in Mallorca and in its 10 years of existence it has accumulated more than 500 pieces of modern and contemporary art by local and international artists who have a special connection with the island. 

In this space you can enjoy temporary and permanent exhibitions and among its outstanding artists you can find Miquel Barceló, Santiago Calatrava, Rebecca Horn, Francesca Martí and Picasso.

Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation

The Pilar and Joan Miró Foundation has more than 7,000 pieces by the artist Joan Miró and other avant-garde artists, in the form of paintings, sculptures and sketches. You can also visit the artist’s original studio to get a first-hand insight into his creative work process. Finally, you can stroll through the sculpture garden or have a drink in the café.

The Llorenç Villalonga House Museum

The Llorenç Villalonga House Museum is located in Binissalem, in a typical Mallorcan building known as Can Sabater, where the writer took refuge during the years of the Civil War. 

The aim of this museum is to disseminate the work of one of the most important Mallorcan writers of the 20th century, as he was the author of an extensive literary and journalistic oeuvre. This space is also used to host all kinds of activities related to contemporary island literature.

Yannick and Ben Jakober Sculpture Park in Alcúdia

The Yannick and Ben Jakober Sculpture Park is a perfect activity for visitors of all ages. Here you can find sculptures from ancient times, in the form of a dog, a bull, a cat, a horse, an elephant and a hippopotamus. The beauty of this space is the atmosphere created by the sculptures when they are exhibited in such a beautifully landscaped area as Alcúdia.

You can’t leave the area without strolling through the rose garden, as it is a real experience for your senses.

Best street art murals in Mallorca

If you are one of those people who are not that keen on seeing art in museums, but prefer to wander the streets of the cities in search of street art, you are in the right place. It has to be said that Mallorca is no New York or Berlin, but the streets of the towns and villages of this island have already begun to fill with graffiti by good street artists.

HallOfFame

There is an area known by graffiti artists as HallOfFame, and it is located near the Sont Goleu bridge in Palma. There you will find some of the most legendary murals in the city and they are still being painted and repainted since the 90s. The first artists to use these walls were Budha, Cane and Shanghai, although you can now recognise quality works by the PTB group.

Olivar Market

Inside the Mercat de l’Olivar you will find a mural by Joan Aguiló measuring almost 100m², which pays homage to the farmers and fishermen who make the consumption of the island’s local produce possible. If you go to Palma train station, you can also see a work by the same artist, showing a child with a toy train.

Mallorcaresidencia, Santa Catalina

In the area of Mallorcaresidencia, Santa Catalina, you will find Andrea Moretto’s mural which symbolises a detailed map of the area. 

Graffiti in Calvià

Calvià is a hotspot for urban art on the island, and artistic interventions are encouraged by the Town Hall. In 2012, the local Department of Culture created BetArt, an urban project that opens its doors year after year to street artists, so that they can change the profile of the town with their masterpieces.

Mallorca is an island full of art and culture, so you can’t miss out on its historical heritage on your holidays. If you want to move around the island without worries, you can rent a car at ROIG, and we will make sure your trip goes as planned. Our company is characterised by the seriousness, professionalism and experience we have, so do not hesitate to consult our website to find your ideal car.