Monday, September 7, 2009

Palma de Mallorca

Palma, (Palma de Mallorca is the unofficial name) the capital city of the Balearic Islands of Spain, is a major port located on the south coast of the island on the Bay of Palma. This historic city, in the western Mediterranean Sea, is the official summer residence of the Royal Family of Spain.

The old city is a fascinating maze of streets with hints of an Arab past. Notice the Moorish influence in the picture above. Below is the Bellver Castle, a circular castle built on a hill in the 14th century for King James ll of Aragon. The castle was used as a military prison during the 18th and 19th centuries. It is fascinating and poignant to see the precision which some of the prisoners used to inscribe their names on these old historic walls.

There is a very famous cathedral, La Seu, situated prominently overlooking the bay. I highly recommend you visit this massive work of art. I decided to fore go a picture of the cathedral, as it will always be there for inspection...however, I wanted to share this charming "puppet theater," located behind the cathedral...as it may not be there when you go...and yes, there was a little puppet there if you look closely...:)

After exploring the old city, we took a drive out to The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort for lunch. This exquisite Mediterranean masterpiece is an oasis that has a dazzling view of the water and a marvelous vista of the Tramuntana Mountains in the background.

There is a dramatic swimming pool located amidst extensive gardens. This peaceful setting is ideal for complete relaxation at the very height of luxury...

Well, what can I say...just another day in paradise...
Love,
Henri




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