Palma

Palma, city, capital of the Balearic Islands provincia (province) and comunidad autónoma (autonomous community), Spain, in the western Mediterranean Sea. The city lies on the southwestern coast of the island of Majorca in the centre of 10-mile- (16-km-) wide Palma Bay. Little is known of Palma before 123 bce, when the Romans conquered Majorca, making the archipelago a Roman province. Attacked by the Vandals in the 5th century, it became part of the Byzantine Empire a century later. In the 8th century it fell to the Arabs, and in 1229 it was conquered by James I of Aragon. On his death Palma became independent but was again incorporated into Aragon by Peter IV in the 14th century. It became part of the Spanish monarchy in 1469 upon the marriage of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile.

The old quarters of Palma have many notable homes built in the 16th and 18th centuries. Historic buildings include the Gothic cathedral (1230–1601); Bellver Castle (14th century), on the hill of the same name; La Lonja (early 15th century), the former exchange, now a museum; Almudaina Palace (restored in the 12th and 16th centuries), former residence of the Arab dynasty and now the captain general’s headquarters; the Consulate of the Sea (17th century); the bishop’s palace (17th century); and the town hall (16th century), housing the archives of the old kingdom of Majorca.

The modern city, with its fine buildings, promenades, and gardens, stretches along the coast for 7 miles (11 km). Palma’s cultural facilities include a section of the University of Barcelona and art museums and galleries. Palma is the headquarters of the University of the Balearic Islands.

The city’s economy is varied, with tourism, commerce, and the manufacture of furniture, footwear, fabrics, and foodstuffs as the most important industries. A tourist boom beginning in the second half of the 20th century transformed Palma into an attractive lure for visitors and workers from the mainland. The population grew significantly, along with urban development, including luxury hotels on the coastline. Historic buildings and monuments were restored with the help of immigrants, mainly from Latin America and Africa. Palma’s many artisans produce embroidery, pottery, artistic glasswork and ironwork, palmetto and raffia basketwork, and olive woodcarving, mostly for tourists. Palma is linked to the mainland by frequent air and steamer services from Barcelona and Valencia. An airport lies about 5 miles (8 km) east of the city centre. Pop. (2006 est.) 284,000.