When one is coming upon the Santa Cruz port in Palma, one notices the incredible greens of the mountains and the cliffs, the white buildings sitting among those mountains and on top of the cliffs, the palm trees lining the horizon line and the foot of the mountains. What is not seen is the from that distance, is the Baroque and Renaissance styles of the buildings and the luxury hotel Palma has, nor the city squares filled with gardens, the flowers lining the streets, or the chic and trendy restaurants and colorful open-air markets. Those aspects and elements of Palma are kept for those that land on shore and take the time to wander the streets and the alleyways.
There is a rich heritage on the island, throughout the trade in the sugar industry that brought many to the island making this port one of the most important and busy of the Empire of Spain. Due to the riches and the commerce the island has attracted many settlers from England, mainland Spain and Portuguese . And at one time attracted many pirated as well, who would pillage and wreak havoc on the town from time to time. Many of the merchants who have gained their livelihood and wealth on the island invest in art, largely Flemish, and the city’s churches are filled with pieces, as are the many museums located throughout the city. During the 1,800′s, when the sugar trade took a dive, the city bounced back by becoming well-known for the ship-building. Craftsman built ships for many cities around the world, included more than one hundred for the United States alone.
Many who travel here find that the architecture located on the streets is constitutes a museum in and of itself. Streets famous for the old traditional works are the Calle Real, the Placeta Borrero and the Avenida Maritima. Large homes such as the House of Salazar, are still used today. Another such building that is close by is the Town Hall, a building that is considered to be one of the most important and influential examples of the architecture and art of the Renaissance time period. And that is just what is seen from the streets, much more is housed in the churches, cathedrals and museums in the city of Palma.