20090425

Palma De Mallorca


May 9, 2009
Mallorca is the largest of the Balearic Islands, a province of eastern Spain. Palma de Mallorca is the capital city of the 11 islets with the four main islands being Mallorca, Minorca, Barcelona and Formentera. These islands have been inhabited by Iberians, Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Robans and Byzantines.
The rounded tower is the Bellver Castle "beautiful view". The castle was used for a summer house for royalty. In 1349 Peter IV conquered it and used it for a prison / jail. It was a jail for VIP until 1940.
Today the castle is used for concerts, recreational events and for 2nd and 3rd weddings. First weddings are always done in a church.
The industry here is first tourism, then pearls and ceramics.
Today Mallorca is a popular resort area with mountains up to 5000 feet. There is a medieval flavor mixed with the luxury and wealth of the town. On our Tapa Tour, we visited both the wealth and walked through the tiny medieval 'streets' which seemed to grow more and more narrow as we walked.

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