Palma, Cathedral, The Bullring, Pearls Factory, The Mercat d’Olivar

Description

 Palma, Cathedral, The Bullring, Pearls Factory, The Mercat d’Olivar

Pearls Factory

After we pick you up from the specified address in Palma, we will take you to Plaza de Toros.  Here we will visit the Pearls Factory. We will observe the process of treatment and production of pearls, and then we will have a look around the shop. Immediately after that we will go to the Coliseum Balear (The Bullring). We will have a look from the inside. You can take photos of the arena where the bullfights (Corridas) used to take place.

The Bullring

This bullring is often referred to as the Balearic Colosseum because of its stunning architecture and sweeping arches. It took about 18 months to complete and the very first bullfight happened here on July 1,1929. Notice the typical tiered seating and two shaded viewing galleries that cover the whole circumference of the building. In the summer evenings they also perform open air classical concerts. Even if you are not into bullfighting, the Plaza del Toros is definitely worth a visit simply for the artistic splendor and the stunning architecture that it holds.

The cathedral

When we are done, we will set off to the cathedral. We will pass through Plaza España, La Rambla, Paseo del Borne, to get to the old town and its landmarks. We will stop right behind the cathedral. There you will have about 30 to 40 minutes to take a walk and enjoy the beauty of the breathtaking views, to have a closer look at the cathedral and the old town.  The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, more commonly referred to as  La Seu, is a Gothic Roman Catholic Cathedral located in Palma, Majorca, Spain, built on the very site where an Arab mosque stood. It is 121 metres long, 55 metres wide and its nave is 44 metres tall. By way of comparison, the height of the central nave of Notre Dame de Paris reaches 33 m, 38 m in Reims, 42 m in Notre-Dame d’Amiens, and 48 m in Saint-Pierre de Beauvais, the highest of all Gothic cathedrals.

Designed in the Catalan Gothic style but with Northern European influences, it was begun by King James I of Aragon back in 1229, but finished only in 1601. It sits within the old city of Palma atop the former citadel of the Roman city, between the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the Episcopal Palace. It also overlooks the Parc de la Mar and the Mediterranean Sea.

In 1901, fifty years after the beginning of the restoration of the cathedral, Antoni Gaudí was invited to take over the project. While some of his ideas were readily accepted, such as removal of the choir stalls from the middle nave to take it closer to the altar, as well as the placement of a large canopy, Gaudí abandoned his work in 1914 after an argument with the contractor. The planned changes were essentially cosmetic rather than structural, and the project was cancelled soon after.
Our next stop will be the Bellver Castle

Bellver Castle was built between 1300 and 1311 for King Jaime II of Mallorca. The views from its terraces are spectacular and its circular shape makes it a unique example of European Civil Gothic.

The Mercat d’Olivar

The Mercat de l’Olivar is one of the most important edifices of our city. It is not only the largest but also the most complete market hall in Palma. A stately yet plain building with a light facade, elevating out of the city’s heart and on the route through the old town w
The market hall provides a great and versatile choice of gastronomical choices with freshly prepared dishes, Oysters, sushi, sparkling wine and champagne, wines and liquors which you can find at our stalls, bars, restaurants and cafeterias next to a special area offering different gastronomical events on a regular basis.ith easy access from all four sides.

The tour takes about 2.5 hours. It costs EUR 120.  (1-4 people)