Category: History

Song of the Sibil.la
Heritage History

The Song of Sibil.la

Did you know that one of Mallorca’s most remarkable Christmas traditions dates back to the Middle Ages? The Song of the Sibyl is a haunting medieval chant performed on Christmas Eve in churches across Mallorca, traditionally accompanied by a singer carrying a sword and altar servers holding candles. Its solemn melody and prophecy of the Final Judgement have survived for centuries, making it one of the island’s most distinctive Christmas traditions. Discover the fascinating history of the Song of the Sibyl in Mallorca, its medieval origins and why UNESCO declared it Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

Primer coche en Mallorca
anecdotes History

First car in Mallorca

Did you know that the first car to arrive in Mallorca came to the island in 1897? On 8 April that year, a remarkable Roger-Benz arrived in Palma from Marseille, introducing Mallorcans to a revolutionary new invention that could travel without horses. Discover the fascinating story of Mallorca’s first car, the wealthy owner who brought it to the island, the difficulties involved in getting this pioneering vehicle on the road and the extraordinary fact that, more than 125 years later, the original Roger-Benz is still preserved in Mallorca.

Coronat, the remarkable motorbike built in Mallorca
anecdotes History

Coronat, the remarkable motorcycle built in Mallorca

Did you know that one of the most innovative motorcycles of the 1950s was designed and built in Mallorca? The Coronat was the brainchild of Mallorcan inventor Jaume Llobera Morro, who created an exceptionally advanced Spanish motorcycle in his workshop in Inca. With its own four-stroke engine, shaft drive, single-sided rear swingarm and central suspension, the Coronat featured technology far ahead of its time. Only seven motorcycles were registered between 1955 and 1957. Discover the fascinating story of the Coronat motorcycle, a remarkable piece of Mallorca’s industrial and motoring history.

The coats of arms of Mallorca’s villages and their fascinating stories
anecdotes History

The coats of arms of Mallorca’s villages and their fascinating stories

Have you ever wondered what the coats of arms of Mallorca’s villages actually mean? Look closely at the façades and historic buildings across the island and you’ll discover castles, towers, animals, religious symbols and even five traditional fritters hiding centuries of history and local traditions. Discover the fascinating coats of arms of Mallorca’s villages, from the castle and Arabic influences of Alaró to the radiant sun of Andratx, the five bunyols of Bunyola and the unusual symbols of Manacor and Sant Llorenç d’es Cardassar. Explore the stories behind Mallorca’s heraldry and discover a different way of uncovering the history of the island’s villages.

History of Mallorcan surnames
anecdotes History Traditions and customs

History of Mallorcan surnames

Have you ever wondered where Mallorcan surnames come from? The family names found across Mallorca today tell a fascinating story of the island’s history, shaped by different cultures, migrations and centuries of change. Discover the origins and meanings of Mallorcan surnames, from Catalan and Arabic influences to noble family names and the distinctive Xueta surnames of Mallorca. Ferrer, Pons, Serra, Riera, Oliver, Coll, Aguiló and Bonnín are just some of the traditional family names that reveal the island’s rich and complex past. Explore the history of Mallorcan surnames and discover how Mallorca’s family names have evolved over the centuries.

Llaut la Balear
anecdotes Gastronomy History

Sailing around Mallorca

What was it like to sail around Mallorca in 1899? That summer, nine friends from Santanyí set off on an extraordinary adventure aboard a traditional Mallorcan llaüt, sailing around the island, exploring coves and coastal villages, and eating and sleeping on board. More than a century later, the discovery of the expedition’s original diary and documents made it possible to reconstruct their remarkable journey and glimpse what Mallorca was like at the end of the 19th century. Discover the fascinating story of sailing around Mallorca in 1899, a unique adventure combining traditional sailing, friendship, food and history.

Spies in Mallorca: the incredible story of Tommy Harris
anecdotes History

Spies in Mallorca: the incredible story of Tommy Harris

Did you know that Mallorca was once a secret stage for international espionage? During the Spanish Civil War, the Second World War and the early years of the Cold War, the island’s strategic position attracted British, German and other intelligence agents. Among them was Tommy Harris, a British MI6 agent who played a key role in the deception network of Joan Pujol “Garbo”, helping to convince Hitler that the Allied invasion of Europe would take place elsewhere. Discover the fascinating story of spies in Mallorca, the secret networks operating on the island and the remarkable characters who made Mallorca part of the history of international espionage.

Nazis in Mallorca
History

Nazis in Mallorca

What was the connection between Mallorca and Nazi Germany? Long before the island became a favourite destination for German tourists, Mallorca had already developed close links with Germany during the 1930s. The Spanish Civil War brought the Condor Legion to Pollença, where German seaplanes operated from the island, while after 1945 Mallorca became associated with several former Nazi figures, including the notorious Otto Skorzeny. Discover the little-known history of the Nazis in Mallorca, from the rise of the Nazi movement and the Condor Legion to the former Nazi fugitives who found links to the island.

La Mallorca romana
History

Roman Mallorca

Discover the fascinating history of Roman Mallorca and travel back more than 2,000 years to the Roman conquest of the island in 123 BC. Find out what Mallorca was like before the Romans arrived, how the ancient cities of Pollentia and Palma developed, and how Roman rule transformed the island’s culture, trade, architecture and way of life. Explore the legacy of Roman Mallorca, from ancient cities and Mediterranean trade routes to the process of Romanisation that shaped the island for centuries.

The Kingdom of Mallorca and its kings
History

The Kingdom of Mallorca and its kings

Discover the fascinating history of the Kingdom of Mallorca and its kings, from James I of Aragon’s conquest of the island in 1229 to the end of the independent kingdom under James III. Meet the medieval rulers of Mallorca, explore their struggles for power and discover the legacy they left in landmarks such as Palma Cathedral, La Almudaina Palace and Bellver Castle.

Conquista musulmana de Mallorca
History

Muslim conquest of Mallorca

Discover the fascinating history of the Muslim conquest of Mallorca and more than three centuries of Islamic rule that transformed the island. Explore the rise of Madinat Mayurqa, the development of irrigation and agriculture, the rich culture of Islamic Mallorca and the enduring Arab legacy still visible in the island’s landscapes, place names and heritage.

The talayots of Mallorca: the island’s mysterious prehistoric culture
Heritage History

The talayots of Mallorca: the island’s mysterious prehistoric culture

Discover the Talayots of Mallorca, the mysterious stone monuments left behind by the island’s prehistoric Talayotic culture. Learn who built these impressive structures, what they may have been used for and how people lived in their ancient settlements. Explore Mallorca’s fascinating prehistoric heritage and discover remarkable archaeological sites such as Ses Païsses, Capocorb Vell and Son Fornés.

Conquista romana de Mallorca
History

Roman conquest of Mallorca

Discover the Roman conquest of Majorca in 123 BC and how Rome transformed the island forever. Explore the resistance of the Talayotic people, the role of Quintus Caecilius Metellus and the legendary Balearic slingers, and find out how the arrival of the Roman Empire led to the foundation of Palma and Pollentia and marked the beginning of Roman Mallorca.

The Sóller Railway: Mallorca’s most iconic railway
Heritage History

The Sóller Railway: Mallorca’s most iconic railway

Discover the Sóller Train, one of Mallorca’s most iconic attractions, and take a journey through the spectacular Serra de Tramuntana from Palma to Sóller. Learn the fascinating history of this historic railway, opened in 1911 to connect the Sóller valley with the island’s capital, and experience a timeless journey aboard its famous vintage wooden carriages, through mountain tunnels, orange groves and breathtaking landscapes.

Cathedral of Palma
Heritage History Places of interest

Cathedral of Palma

Discover Palma Cathedral, also known as La Seu, one of Mallorca’s most spectacular and iconic landmarks. Explore the fascinating history of this Gothic cathedral overlooking the sea, built over more than three centuries, and uncover its remarkable treasures, from its enormous rose window and the mysterious “Eight” phenomenon to the modernist work of Antoni Gaudí and the controversial creation by Miquel Barceló. A captivating journey through the history, art and architectural heritage of Palma.

Bandoleros en Mallorca
History

Bandits in Mallorca

Discover the fascinating history of bandits in Mallorca and step into one of the island’s most turbulent periods. Learn how poverty, social unrest and failed harvests fuelled banditry in Mallorca during the 16th and 17th centuries, when armed gangs robbed estates, attacked travellers and became embroiled in violent conflicts between powerful families. From the Germanies uprising and the notorious Selva Gang to Mateu Reus, regarded as Mallorca’s last great outlaw, uncover a darker and little-known chapter of the island’s history.

The French on Cabrera: the prison island for Napoleon’s soldiers
History

The French on Cabrera: the prison island for Napoleon’s soldiers

Between 1809 and 1814, thousands of French prisoners of war were held on Cabrera Island, off the coast of Mallorca, following the defeat of Napoleon’s army at the Battle of Bailén. Hunger, disease and extreme deprivation turned this remote Balearic island into one of the most harrowing prisoner camps of the Napoleonic Wars. Discover the tragic story of the French prisoners on Cabrera and one of the darkest chapters in Mallorca’s history.

La Lonja de Palma
Heritage History

Lonja de Palma

The Lonja de Palma, also known as Sa Llotja, is one of Mallorca’s finest examples of Gothic architecture and one of the most remarkable historic buildings in Palma. Designed by the Mallorcan architect and sculptor Guillem Sagrera in the 15th century, it was built as a meeting place for merchants and played a key role in the island’s maritime trade. Discover the history of the Lonja de Palma, its spectacular spiral columns and vaulted interior, and the fascinating story behind this Gothic masterpiece.

The Balearic slingers: the most feared warriors of the Mediterranean
History

The Balearic slingers: the most feared warriors of the Mediterranean

The Balearic slingers were legendary warriors from Mallorca and Menorca, feared throughout the ancient Mediterranean for their extraordinary skill with the sling. Recruited as elite mercenaries by Carthage, they fought alongside Hannibal against Rome before later serving in the Roman army, including under Julius Caesar. Discover the fascinating history of the Balearic slingers, their legendary training, deadly weapons and lasting legacy in the history and traditions of Mallorca and Menorca.

Cuando los vikingos llegaron a Mallorca
History

When the Vikings arrived in Mallorca

Did you know that the Vikings reached Mallorca? Although we usually associate the Vikings with Scandinavia and the fjords of northern Europe, their expeditions also ventured deep into the Mediterranean. In the Middle Ages, Viking fleets raided Mallorca and other Balearic Islands, seeking wealth and conquest. Discover the story of the Viking raids in Mallorca, from the major expedition of 859 to the Norwegian campaign of 1108, and explore the fascinating traces these legendary seafarers left in the history of the Balearic Islands.

Pirate attacks in Mallorca and the deffence towers
History

Pirate attacks in Mallorca and the defence towers

Did you know that Mallorca was once a frequent target of pirate attacks? For centuries, corsairs and pirates from North Africa and the Mediterranean raided the island’s coastal towns, threatening communities from Sóller and Pollença to Santanyí and Banyalbufar. To protect Mallorca, a network of defence towers and watchtowers was built along the coastline, allowing warning signals to be passed from tower to tower all the way to Palma. Discover the fascinating history of pirate attacks in Mallorca and explore the historic watchtowers that still stand today as reminders of the island’s turbulent past.

The Mallorcan of Valencia
History

The Mallorcans of Valencia

Did you know that a part of Valencia is home to a community with deep Mallorcan roots? Discover the fascinating story of the Mallorcans of Valencia, descendants of families who migrated from Mallorca to the Marina Alta in the 17th century following the expulsion of the Moriscos. More than 400 years later, Mallorcan surnames, language, traditions and cuisine are still part of the region’s cultural heritage. Explore the remarkable historical connection between Mallorca and Valencia.

The History of Olive Oil in the Mediterranean and in Mallorca
Gastronomy History

The History of Olive Oil in the Mediterranean and in Mallorca

Mallorca olive oil is far more than a staple of Mediterranean cuisine: it is the result of a centuries-old tradition deeply rooted in the island’s history and landscape. From the Phoenicians, Greeks and Romans to the Arab influence that shaped olive cultivation and oil production, this precious ingredient has played an important role in Mallorca for thousands of years. Discover the fascinating history of olive oil in Mallorca, how olive growing became part of the island’s economy and culture, and why Mallorcan olive oil remains a treasured local product today, from the terraces of the Serra de Tramuntana to small family estates across the island.

Como conquistó Jaime I Mallorca
History

How Jaime I conquered Mallorca

How did Jaime I of Aragon conquer Mallorca in 1229? In the 13th century, the island was under Muslim rule when the young king launched a major military expedition to take control of Mallorca. With a fleet of around 150 ships and thousands of troops, his forces landed at Santa Ponsa, defeated the defending army at the Battle of Porto Pi and laid siege to Madina Mayurqa, the city now known as Palma. Discover the fascinating story of the conquest of Mallorca by Jaime I, from the dramatic landing in 1229 to the fall of the city and the final resistance that continued across the island until 1232.