Mallorca, Spain - A Holland America Port

As a Holland America Mediterranean Cruise port, the large island of Mallorca gives visitors a chance to experience Spain's Balearic Islands archipelago. Mallorca, known for its extensive history, offers not only a look at the best in Spanish architecture, but a glimpse at some of the most beautiful cathedrals.

What to See
Native son Guillermo Sagrera designed the Llotja, Mallorca's 15th-Century commodities exchange. Its rich carving incorporates a fortified, defensive façade, but the interior is as elegant as architecture gets. Near the old harbor, there is no way to miss the Llotja. Behind the graceful structure Mansion del Arte are some of Francisco Goya's etchings and original works by Pablo Picasso.

Palma's gothic La Seu Cathedral is one of the most recognizable city landmarks. Constrcution on the building beganin the 13th century, but it took 300 years to complete. The Cathedral is the final resting place for the Mallorcan kings, as their tombs line the chapel. There are many steps, but the ornate interior - designed, in part by Barcelona architect Antonio Gaudi - is worth the climb. Perhaps most impressive is the enormous harbor-side doorway.

As the former residence of the Arab kings, Palacio de la Almudaina became the royal house of Mallorca when the Balearics gained their independence. The palace is directly in front of the Cathedral, and offers an excellent collection of paintings. The altarpiece in pretty Iglesia de Santa Ana dates from the 15th Century. Take time to note the elegant Moorish architecture. The flowing construction dates from the 12th Century represents the final Islamic contributions to Mellorca, as the Arabs were expelled in the 13th Century.

One of Mallorca's most beautiful villages, Real Cartuja de Valldemosa, is not a far trip from Palma. The views from the town are dazzling, and a special interest to visitors is the Cartuja - a Carthusian Monastery where novelist George Sand and composer Frederic Chopin spent the winter of 1838. Tours visit some of the 14th-Century cells in which the two, shunned by villagers, found solace together. Sand completed the story in her piece, Un Hiver a Majorque (A Winter in Mallorca) while staying in Cartuja.

Also take time to visit the El Pueblo Espanol (Spanish Village), a showcase of palaces, monuments and typical houses from all regions of the nation. Architectural admirers will enjoy a visit to the representative model village.

It doesn't take long to cross to the eastern shore, and Porto Cristo is only 50 miles away. Not far from town, archaeological sites at Sa Gruta and Son Moro reveal evidence of primitive societies, and in town, there is a Roman basilica. Just west, at Cuevas del Drach, fanciful names have been given to the alluring stalactite and stalagmite formations. Nearby Manacor is center of the Mallorcan pearl industry.

One and a half miles from the city's center is Bellver Castle, a splendid Gothic fortification more than 600 years old. Built to be the summer home of Mallorcan Kings, it was pressed into use as a prison and remained one for most of its history. Built by Jamie II, the beautifully-preserved fortress has a museum full of interesting Roman artifacts. From the tower, travelers can get a splendid view of the city and bay.

History
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands. The archipelago consists of five main islands —Mallorca, Minorca, Ibiza, Formentera and Cabrera. The area is a self-governing province of Spain. Many battles have been fought over these islands. The Moors were here for some time, and visitors will still find relics of their remarkable culture. The islands were also an independent kingdom for a period of time in the 13th Century, and although this period was brief, the Kings of Mallorca made themselves known throughout Southern Europe.

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