Palma, capital of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands,
is a lively, cosmopolitan city in true Spanish tradition, its city
centre forming a bustling montage of shopping centres, a maze of
narrow lanes and restored buildings surrounded by ruined ancient
city walls, and modern boulevards. Like mainland Spain, Mallorca
and Palma itself was under Moorish control between the nineth and
13th centuries until the re-conquest by Jaume I of Aragon. The
Moorish heritage is still evident, as are the remnants of Palma's
golden years when it rose to wealth and prominence in the 15th
century as the main port of call between Europe and Africa. Later
the city, set on the beautiful bay Bahia de Palma, became the
favoured Royal retreat for Fernando and Isabel, which helped it to
become the popular holiday destination of the rich and famous.
Despite the invasion of foreign tourists Palma has kept its local
flavour, particularly in its old quarter lined by cafes and tapas
bars. Often the native dialect of mallorquin is the only language
heard in the backstreets.
