Historic Building sights in Spain
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Can Marquès
This exquisitely furnished mansion, the only one of its kind in Palma open to visitors, retains elements dating to the 14th century. It gives a fascinating insight into how the well-to-do lived around the turn of the 20th century. The building shows elements of Gothic, baroque and even Modernista influences. It hosts contemporary art exhibitions, but was closed for restoration at the time of research.
Once it reopens, enter the main pati (courtyard) where the family coach once clattered in, and climb the Modernista stairway to the main floor of the house, where the public can undertake a circuit through 10 rooms.
The immense Sala d’Entrada was a formal reception area and…
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Ajuntament
Dominating the square that has long been the heart of municipal power in Palma is the ajuntament. The baroque facade hides a longer history: the town hall building grew out of a Gothic hospital raised here shortly after the island's conquest. On the top floor of the main facade sits En Figuera, as the town clock is affectionately known.
The present mechanism dates to 1863 and was purchased in France, but a clock has tolled the hours here for centuries. You can generally enter the foyer only, in which you will see a Gothic entrance, a fine sweeping staircase and, probably, half a dozen gegants (huge figures of kings, queens and other characters that are paraded around town…
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Almacenes El Águila
Gaspar Bennàssar (1869–1933), one of the most influential architects in modern Palma, his native city, played with various styles during his long career, including Modernisme. An outstanding example of this is the Almacenes El Águila, built in 1908. Each of the three floors is different and the generous use of wrought iron in the main facade is a herald of the style.
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Arc del Wali
A grand arch, the Arc del Wali is one of the city's few reminders of its Arab past. When the Riera, the city's river, coursed along what is now Passeig d'es Born and the sea lapped the city walls, this was the seaward entrance into the Arab palace and early shipyards.
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Arco de l'Almudaina
The arch down the street (east) of Can Bordils is intriguing for history buffs, part of a rare stretch of defensive wall and tower. It is said to have been in use from antiquity until about the 13th century. Although largely medieval in appearance, it is almost certain that this was part of the Roman wall.
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Banco de Sóller
A student of Antoni Gaudí, Joan Rubió, is responsible for the strikingly Modernista frontage of the Banco de Sóller (nowadays Banco de Santander), right beside the Església de Sant Bartomeu. It's a daring effort, with two massive, circular galleries sticking out into the square and windows draped in lacy wrought-iron grilles.
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Cal Comte de San Simón
Radically different from the traditional mansions of Palma, the Cal Comte de San Simón was built in 1854–56 in neoclassical style.
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Cal Marquès del Palmer
Has a unique sculpted Renaissance facade.
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Can Berga
Has been the Palacio de Justicia (courts) since 1942
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Can Bordils
This 16th-century mansion with a 17th-century courtyard is home to the Arxiu Municipal, which sometimes holds temporary exhibitions.
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Can Caldés
A noble mansion of Gothic origins (it still retains a few Gothic touches) and a peaceful garden designed in the early-20th-century Modernista style.
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Can Catlar del Llorer
One of the few largely Gothic patis (the narrow entrance and octagonal columns are giveaways) in a street jammed with mansions.
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Can Corbella
Can Corbella oozes a neo-mudéjar look.
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Can Forteza Rey
The use of trencadís (ceramic shards) in the Can Forteza Rey facade is classic Gaudí in style.
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Can Salas
The entrance here is thought to be the oldest in the city.
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Can Vivot
Frequently closed, but you can peer in through the iron gates at the loping arches on round pillars and fine horse-drawn carriages.
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Círculo Mallorquin
This 1913 Modernista building is home to the regional parliament of the Balearic Islands.
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Consolat de Mar
Virtually next door to Sa Llotja (Plaça de la Llotja), the Consolat de Mar was founded in 1326 as a maritime tribunal. The present building, one of Mallorca's few examples of (albeit impure) Renaissance design, was completed in 1669. It was tacked onto, and faces, a late Gothic chapel completed around 1600 for the members of Sa Llotja.
The Consolat de Mar houses the presidency of the Balearic Islands regional government.
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Sa Llotja
The gorgeous, if weather-beaten, 15th-century sandstone Gothic Sa Llotja, opposite the waterfront, was built as a merchants’ stock exchange and is used for temporary exhibitions. It was closed for renovations at the time of writing.
Designed by Guillem Sagrera, it is the apogee of civilian Gothic building on the island and was completed in 1450. Inside, six slender, twisting columns lead to the lofty vaulted ceiling. In each corner of the building rises a fanciful octagonal tower. The flanks are marked with huge arches, fine tracery and monstrous-looking gargoyles leaning out overhead.
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Casa de los Pisa
Granada’s most famous resident saint, San Juan Robles (San Juan de Díos), dedicated his life to healing the destitute and inspired a medical fraternity. He died in 1550, at the age of 55, in the Casa de los Pisa.
The mansion of the wealthy Pisa family, who took the saint off the streets when he fell ill, now displays a treasure trove of liturgical art, as well as secular oddities such as boa skins and even a shrunken head. Tours take about 45 minutes, ending in the very room where the saint expired.
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Palacio de la Diputación
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Palacio de Ovando
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Palacio Carvajal
Within this late 15th-century mansion, rooms have been restored with period furnishings and artwork.
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Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba
The Palacio de los Golfines de Arriba is where Franco was declared head of state in 1936.
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