Modernism in Mallorca
Modernism, what is it?
If you are an observant person and appreciate beauty, when you travel to a city you will surely notice the most special monuments and buildings. Some of them may be in the Modernist style, but… what is Modernism?
It was a cultural movement that flourished in Europe between approximately 1870 and 1920. generating a new way of seeing the world and, above all, a distinctive artistic style. It also reached our island so, today we will talk about Modernism in Mallorca and its most emblematic buildings.
Different countries, different names
Almost certainly, many of us think that this movement, which originated in Great Britain and is known here as Modernism, has the same name everywhere. However, this is not the case, because “Art Nouveau”, “Jugendstil” or “Tiffany” are the different names given to this style in England, Germany and EE.UU., respectively.
A beautiful artistic style
The industrial revolution that emerged in England in the XIX century led to mechanised and standardised production, large scale manufacturing and, above all, the pursuit of maximum profitability in everything. However there was a movement of artists and thinkers who defended craftmanship, idealising what was made in the Middle ages. A rich and detailed style emerged, with a preference for curved lines, asymmetry, and floral and plant decorations. Sometimes a little overdone, but generally very beautyful, elegant and colorful.
Modernist crafts and artists
This new style would permeate many groups with its unique aesthetic: architects, sculptors, painters, designers and furniture makers, potters, ironworkers, glassmakers and countless other trades related with art and construction. Not to mention other artists as musicians, writers and book illustrators…
Catalonia and Mallorca
It flourished in Catalonia, and there are some real marvels through the region. For example, in Barcelona, there is Casa Batlló, Park Güell, Casa Milá and the famous Sagrada Familia, all designed by the brilliant architect Antonio Gaudí. There is a long list of other Catalan architects who built buildings not only in their homeland, but also in other regions of Spain.
The taste for this new trend, quickly spread to Mallorca, and in fact it is considered that it was in 1901, with the start of the construction of the Gran Hotel in Palma (now the La Caixa Foundation), when it began to take root on our island.
Modernism route in Palma de Mallorca
Now we invite you to park your car and take a stroll through Palma, where you can enjoy quiet streets, traditional shops, cosmopolitan venues, and at the same time, discover elegant modernist buildings.
Casas Casasayas
We begin our route by heading to Plaza del Mercat, where, at number 13, you can see “Casas Casasayas”.
Gran Hotel
We continue to number 8 Calle Unión, where the old “Gran Hotel” (now Fundación la Caixa) is located.
Forn del Teatre
Directly opposite, at number 10 Calle Unión, is “Forn del Teatre”, where you can enjoy a delicious breakfast or afternoon tea while admiring the façade of the Gran Hotel.
El Aguila
From there, climb the stairs towards the Plaza Mayor and in the small Plaza del Marqués de Palmer you will find “El Aguila” warehouse building.
Casa Forteza Rey
Right next to the El Aguila warehouses, you will see the beautiful building, “Casa Forteza Rey”. Take a moment to admire its façade and details.
Casa Barceló
We continue our walk towards Plaza de Quadrado, at number 9, to see “Casa Barceló” with its beautiful ceramic tile panels dedicated to different arts and crafts.
Casa Corbella
We head towards Plaça Cort, next to Carrer de Sant Domènech, to see the curious neo-Mudejar exterior of “Casa Corbella”.
Catedral
Nearby, we should visit Palma’s “Catedral” which, although basically Gothic in style, has an entire section inside that was renovated and decorated by Antonio Gaudí.
Plaza de la Lonja
A few steps from the Cathedral is “Plaza de la Lonja”, a very pleasant square with cafés and terraces where you can sit for a while, have a drink and recharge your batteries. At number 3 in the square, you can see another beautiful Modernist building.
Barómetro
It’s a bit far from the cathedral, but if you’re still keen to see more, you can go to Plaza de España and take a look at the “Barómetro”, which is also in the Modernist style. In the same square is the train station for Sóller, a beautiful village located in a valley between mountains and with many other Modernist buildings. Both the train journey and Sóller itself are highly recommended.
More places to see Modernism in Mallorca
There is much to see in Sóller, including the “Banca de Sóller” and the “Iglesia parroquial” (parish church) in the heart of the Town, in Plaza Constitución. There are also several stately homes, but the one that stands out in particular is “Ca’n Prunera”, which has a beautiful museum dedicated to Modernism.
In Inca you will also find a few more houses, but perhaps the most beautiful of all is the “Hotel España” in Llucmajor, which also has a good restaurant with a terrace in the small Plaza below.
Conclusion
The Modernist style is refined, highly crafted and sought not only functionality but also beauty, so that one could delight in contemplating each and every detail. If you like architecture and beauty in general, you now have one more reason to come to our island and enjoy these elegant works of Modernism in Mallorca.
If you found this post interesting, we invite you to take a look at our previous post on Palma Cathedral, which features a space decorated by Antonio Gaudí in modernist style. Follow the link: Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca