Antonio Maura

The Monument to Antonio Maura stands in Palma de Mallorca, on Plaça del Mercat, right in the heart of the old town. It's one of the few large public monuments in Palma's historic center, and it honors a statesman who was actually born in the city.

Who was Antonio Maura?

Antonio Maura (1853–1925) was born in Palma and went on to become one of the most prominent Spanish politicians of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, serving several terms as Prime Minister of Spain during the reign of Alfonso XIII, a period marked by political reform and recurring crises. For islanders, he was a local son who reached the very top of national politics, which is the reason the city later chose to commemorate him with a monument of its own.

What will you see at the site?

The centerpiece is a bronze statue of Maura standing on a stone pedestal, captured in an oratorical pose, as if mid-speech, with the kind of gesture typical of a politician addressing a crowd. At his feet sits a second figure carved from white marble: an allegory of Truth. The whole ensemble was created by Mariano Benlliure, one of the most respected Spanish sculptors of the era, whose public monuments and funerary works can be found across Spain.

The Truth figure has its own story worth knowing. The model was Benlliure's daughter-in-law, Soledad, and the original design showed her nude, following the classical symbolism of "naked truth." The moral standards of the time ruled out displaying a nude figure in a public square, so the sculpture was ultimately draped in fabric before installation.

The monument was unveiled on December 13, 1929, the fourth anniversary of Maura's death. The official inauguration was carried out by Enrique Marzo Balaguer, Captain General of the Balearic Islands. Construction was paid for entirely through public subscription — residents of Palma and Mallorca raised the funds themselves to honor their native son, a detail that says a lot about how strongly he was regarded locally almost a century ago.

How do you get there?

The monument sits on Plaça del Mercat, inside the old town, so walking is by far the easiest way in — it's a leisurely stroll of well under fifteen minutes from La Seu cathedral through the narrow streets of the center. The square is also served by city bus routes that run through downtown Palma, and major transport hubs such as Plaça d'Espanya are less than a kilometer away. If you're driving, park at the edge of the old town rather than trying to reach the center directly, since traffic and parking are restricted there.

When is the best time to visit?

Plaça del Mercat is an open urban square, so the monument is visible year-round regardless of season. Early morning or late afternoon works best: temperatures are milder and the light hits the bronze and white marble at a more flattering angle for photos. In summer, the square can get quite hot and crowded around midday as tourist foot traffic heads toward the old town.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who designed the Monument to Antonio Maura? It was created by Mariano Benlliure, a Spanish sculptor responsible for numerous public monuments across Spain in the early 20th century.

When was the monument unveiled? On December 13, 1929, the fourth anniversary of Antonio Maura's death, in a ceremony led by the Captain General of the Balearic Islands.

Why is the monument located in Palma? Antonio Maura was born in Palma de Mallorca, and the city's residents funded the monument themselves through public subscription to honor a native son who rose to lead the Spanish government.

What does the figure at the base represent? It's an allegory of Truth, sculpted in white marble. The figure was originally designed nude, but the era's moral standards led to it being draped before the monument was installed.