palma

Palma, officially Palma de Mallorca, is the capital and largest city of the Balearic Islands autonomous community, located on the island of Mallorca in Spain. It lies on the northwest coast of Mallorca facing the Balearic Sea and functions as the archipelago's primary economic and cultural center. The city has a long history dating back to Phoenician and Roman settlement; it was known as Medina Mayurqa during Islamic rule and later became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca under the Crown of Aragon. The origin of the name Palma is commonly linked to the palm trees noted along the harbor.

Key landmarks include La Seu, the Gothic cathedral overlooking the marina, begun in 1229 and rebuilt over centuries; the Royal Palace of La Almudaina adjacent to the cathedral; and Bellver Castle, a 14th-century circular fortress on a hill north of the city. The old town preserves narrow lanes, courtyards and markets, while the seafront promenade and harbor area host cultural venues and nightlife.

Palma serves as the seat of the University of the Balearic Islands and the capital of the Balearic Islands' government, hosting regional administrative institutions. Its economy centers on tourism, services, and port traffic, with ferries and cruise ships linking to mainland Spain and other Mediterranean ports. The city has a Mediterranean climate with hot summers, mild winters, and a busy calendar of cultural events and festivals throughout the year.