Modernisme

Around the turn of the 20th century, Palma experienced a Modernisme boom — the Catalan version of Art Nouveau, related to the Art Nouveau in France and the Vienna Secession style. Wealthy merchants and nobles had representative city palaces built in the new style, and Palma became — after Barcelona — the second most important Modernisme city in the Catalan-speaking world.

Can Forteza Rey

Perhaps the most striking building in Palma stands at Placa del Mercat: The facade of Can Forteza Rey virtually explodes in color and form — ceramic tiles, wrought iron balconies, imaginative animal and plant motifs. Designed by Lluis Forteza Rey (1908–1909), it is a prime example of the decorative exuberance of Modernisme. The building is privately owned and can only be admired from the outside — but it's worth it.

Gran Hotel (CaixaForum)

The Gran Hotel (1903) by Lluis Domenech i Montaner — the same architect who created the Palau de la Musica Catalana and the Hospital de Sant Pau in Barcelona — was Palma's first luxury hotel. The magnificent facade with ceramic decor, floral motifs, and wrought iron balconies has been extensively restored and now houses the cultural center CaixaForum with changing exhibitions. On the ground floor is a permanent exhibition with works by the Mallorcan painter Hermen Anglada Camarasa — free admission.

Almacenes El Aguila

The former department store El Aguila (1908) at Placa del Mercat impresses with its monumental facade — ceramic cladding, large glass surfaces, and a distinctive eagle (Aguila) on the roof. A testament to the bourgeois self-confidence of the Mallorcan commercial elite.

Can Casasayas and Pensio Menorquina

The twin buildings Can Casasayas and the former Pension Menorquina (1908–1911) at Placa del Mercat stand out with their curved, almost flowing facades — often referred to as "Palma's little Casa Batllo." The wave movements of the balconies and the organic shapes indeed recall Gaudi's masterpieces in Barcelona. Designed by architect Francesc Roca i Simo.

A Modernisme walk through Palma can be done in 2–3 hours: Start at Placa del Mercat (Gran Hotel, Can Forteza Rey, Can Casasayas), continue through the old town to Passeig des Born and into the side streets — everywhere hide Art Nouveau details: facade tiles, wooden doors with stained glass, wrought iron lanterns.