Plaza Mayor (Main Square), Palma de Mallorca

Main Square is one of Palma de Mallorca’s most lively and historically layered public spaces, located at the heart of the Old Town. Despite its relaxed atmosphere today, the site has a far darker past. Until 1823, it was occupied by the Convent of Saint Philip Neri, which had effectively served as the headquarters of the Spanish Inquisition in Mallorca. Few mourned its demolition, and about a decade later, work began on creating the square that now occupies the site.

The resulting plaza is a large, rectangular space, fully tiled and closed to motor traffic. Three- and four-storey porticoed buildings line its edges, creating a sense of enclosure while offering shaded walkways at street level.

Main Square sits close to several important landmarks, including the Churches of Saint Michael and Saint Eulalia, as well as the Town Hall and the Main Theatre, making it a natural crossroads within the historic centre. Streets leading out of the square are packed with shops, cafés, and galleries, keeping the area busy throughout the day.

Today, Main Square is animated by restaurants, cafés, art galleries, and frequent street performers. An artisan market is held here every week, adding to the square’s lively character. Once a place of fear and judgment, Main Square has become one of Palma’s most social spaces—a fitting transformation at the heart of the city.