Placa de Cort (Court Square), Palma de Mallorca

Court Square (Placa de Cort), nestled in the historic heart of Palma de Mallorca, is a captivating meeting point that unites local life with centuries of tradition. Known in Catalan as “Plaça Cort”, the plaza takes its name from its medieval role as the gathering place for the royal and judicial court or “Cort” of the Kingdom of Mallorca. Today, it forms the vibrant center of civic life, often hosting public events such as Christmas celebrations or the Festa de l’Estendard on December 31st-one of Europe’s oldest civic festivals commemorating the Christian conquest of the city.

Anchoring the square is the striking Palma Town Hall, whose elegant façade blends Baroque and Mannerist elements. This grand building was erected between 1649 and 1680, crafted by renowned local architects Pere Bauçá, Miquel Oliver, and Bartomeu Calafat. Its decorative balcony, the distinctive Rellotge d’en Figuera (Figuera's watch), and the iconic “banc del si no fos” bench are just a few of the highlights that give the Town Hall its character and historical resonance as a symbol of civic pride.

The centerpiece of the Court Square is the ancient “Olivera de Cort,” a gnarled olive tree estimated to be over 600 years old. Transplanted in 1989 from the Pedruixella Petit estate in Pollença, this majestic tree now symbolizes peace and continuity. Visitors delight in searching its twisted trunk for hidden shapes and local legends, including the whimsical "Orella de Mallorca"-an ear-shaped knot in the bark.

Surrounding the plaza are charming cafés, ice‑cream terraces (Giovanni’s being a popular pick), and cozy eateries-the perfect backdrop for a reflective pause under the olive tree with a scoop in hand. A leisurely stop here offers not just refreshment, but immersion into Palma’s social essence, connecting you with locals and the layers of Mallorcan heritage in one picturesque square.