Llotja de Palma, Gothic merchant exchange building near the harbor in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
The Llotja de Palma is a medieval trading building along the waterfront of Palma with a rectangular footprint and a roof of pointed arches. The interior divides into twelve sections through six spiral columns, and features intricate Gothic stonework with large windows.
Construction took place between 1420 and 1452 under architect Guillem Sagrera, who designed it to serve the Mediterranean trade. The building became a hub where merchants negotiated deals and conducted business.
The name comes from the Catalan word for marketplace, reflecting its role as a gathering place for merchants and traders. Today, visitors can see contemporary art exhibitions displayed within the soaring halls beneath the Gothic vaults.
The building sits at Plaça de la Llotja near the harbor and is easily reached on foot from the city center. Visitors should know the interior is open and accessible, though it offers little seating or shade.
The building combines trading functions with military features such as corner towers and a crenellated parapet along the roof. This defensive design was unusual for a trading facility and shows how seriously merchants protected their valuable inventory.
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