Jardí del Bisbe

Jardí del Bisbe (the Bishop's Garden) is a small, secluded garden tucked away in the historic center of Palma de Mallorca, right behind the city's cathedral, La Seu, on Carrer de Sant Pere Nolasc. Rarely mentioned on the front page of travel guides, it is one of the most rewarding quiet spots for anyone strolling through the Centre district looking for a break from the old town's busier streets.

What to see in the garden

The garden keeps the classical layout typical of Palma's old mansion gardens, divided into distinct areas: a fruit-growing section, a former vegetable patch, and a purely ornamental zone. It's this last part that draws most of the attention from visitors.

At the heart of the ornamental area sits a small decorative fish pond, framed by neatly trimmed geometric hedges that give the whole space a calm, contemplative feel. Above the pond stretches a pergola covered in bougainvillea, offering welcome shade on hot days. Citrus trees are scattered throughout the grounds, filling the air with their scent, especially in spring and summer — one of the most memorable features of a visit here.

History and the origin of the name

The name of the garden — literally "the Bishop's Garden" — reflects its proximity and historical connection to Palma's bishop's palace and the cathedral. Gardens of this kind were common alongside the ecclesiastical and bourgeois residences of the old town, combining a practical role (growing fruit and vegetables for the household) with a decorative, representative one. Since the year 2000, the garden has been maintained by Palma City Hall, which keeps it well cared for and open to residents and visitors free of charge.

Why visit

Jardí del Bisbe makes for a natural stop for anyone exploring Palma's old town on foot — it sits right next to the cathedral, so it fits easily into a walk through the Centre district. Unlike the crowded squares and main streets of the old town, the garden offers a compact, quiet space where you can sit for a moment, photograph the neatly geometric greenery, or simply rest in the shade of the citrus trees.

It's also worth a visit for anyone curious about Palma's urban history — the garden's layout illustrates what green spaces attached to bourgeois and ecclesiastical residences once looked like, before the city grew into its present-day shape.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission to the garden free? Yes, entry to Jardí del Bisbe is free and does not require a reservation or ticket.

What are the opening hours? The garden is open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. It is closed on Mondays.

Where exactly is the garden located? It is located at Carrer de Sant Pere Nolasc 6, in the Centre district of Palma, right next to La Seu Cathedral.

How long does a visit take? It's a small garden, so a relaxed walk through the whole area usually takes about 15–20 minutes — a perfect short stop while exploring the old town.

Is it worth combining with other attractions? Yes — given its proximity to the cathedral and Palma's historic center, the garden fits naturally into a walking route through the oldest part of the city.