Llotja de Palma, Gothic merchant exchange in Palma, Spain
Llotja de Palma is a rectangular building with four octagonal towers at its corners and ten smaller buttresses supporting the massive stone structure. The facade of cut stone appears solid and commanding, with large windows that suggest its original purpose as a trading center.
Construction took place between 1420 and 1452 under architect Guillem Sagrera during the peak of Mallorca's Mediterranean trade period. The building arose during a time of economic prosperity when the island was a major hub for trading routes.
The interior shows spiral columns and ribbed vaults that display the craftsmanship of 15th-century Gothic building techniques. The space was used by merchants and shows their importance to the city.
The building welcomes visitors on Tuesday through Sunday in the evening hours and displays rotating art exhibitions. The medieval walls provide an impressive setting, but stairs and tight spaces may be challenging for people with mobility issues.
During the War of Independence, the building served as a storage facility for weapons and goods before eventually becoming an art gallery. This dual past shows how historical buildings can adapt to different purposes over time.
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