Palma, Regional capital on Mallorca island, Spain
Palma is the capital of the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean and stretches along a wide bay on the southern coast of Mallorca. The city combines a historic old quarter with narrow streets, residential areas, and modern districts near the harbor.
Roman founders named the settlement Palmaria in 124 BC, before it became an important trading post under Byzantine and Moorish rule. In 1229, Catalan forces captured the city and made it the center of the new Kingdom of Mallorca.
The old town is home to many family-run workshops where artisans still craft traditional ceramics and leather goods in narrow lanes. Locals often gather in the morning at market halls to buy fresh produce directly from farmers who travel from surrounding villages.
The international airport sits about 5 miles (8 kilometers) east of the center and connects via bus lines, while the municipal bus network links all districts together. Most attractions in the old quarter are within walking distance, as many streets are reserved for pedestrians.
Bellver Castle on a hill above the city follows a circular floor plan and belongs to the few examples of this architectural form in Europe. Inside the courtyard stands a two-story arcade that offers a panoramic view of the surroundings from the center.
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