City walls of Palma, Medieval defensive wall in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
The city walls of Palma are a fortification system from the 16th century that borders the Old Town on the eastern side and partly rests on Roman foundations. You can see sections of them near the cathedral La Seu, along Passeig Sagrera, and behind Parc de la Mar, where information panels explain their history.
Construction of the current walls began in 1562 under military engineer Giovan Giacomo Paleari Fratino, who designed structures capable of withstanding artillery attacks. This fortification was a crucial response to threats from pirates and hostile fleets that operated across the Mediterranean.
The walls display architectural elements from multiple periods, including Roman, Islamic, and Renaissance influences, reflecting the city's diverse heritage.
The walls are best explored on foot when wandering through the historic lanes of the Old Town or strolling along Passeig Sagrera. The best area for viewing and photography is behind Parc de la Mar, where you can see many original sections.
The Mediterranean Sea originally came right up to the base of these walls, creating a direct link between the fortification and maritime activity. Today the sea lies further away, but the structures still bear traces of this close relationship with the water.
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