Monument to the victims of the cruiser Baleares

The Monument to the Victims of the Cruiser Baleares stands in Parc de la Feixina in Palma, right along the seafront promenade, and remains one of the city's most visible — and most disputed — memorials.

What is this monument?

The structure takes the shape of a lighthouse: a tall white tower visible from a distance, set in a small park near the port. It was designed by architects Francesc Roca and his son Antoni Roca, with the sculptural work carried out by Josep Ortells. The monument was unveiled on 16 May 1947, a few years after the end of the Spanish Civil War.

It commemorates the crew of the cruiser Baleares, a warship sunk on 6 March 1938 by torpedoes fired by Republican forces. Almost 800 sailors died in the sinking — most sources cite a figure close to 786–788 victims. Among them was a Royal Navy officer who happened to be aboard as an observer.

Why is it controversial?

The Baleares fought on the Francoist side during the Civil War, which is why the monument has been a source of political tension for decades. Under Spain's law on democratic memory, which aims to remove symbols associated with the Franco dictatorship from public spaces, authorities decided to dismantle the monument. The decision was made in 2026 and sparked debate among Palma residents and historians alike — some view it as a tribute to ordinary war casualties, others as a symbol of the regime.

If you're planning a visit, it's worth checking locally whether the monument is still standing in its original form, since removal could be carried out in the near future.

How to get there?

Parc de la Feixina sits right in the heart of Palma, at the junction of the old town and the waterfront. From La Seu cathedral, it's a relaxed 15–20 minute walk along the Passeig Marítim promenade. The spot is also easy to reach by city bike or local bus lines running along the coast. Driving is possible, but parking nearby can fill up quickly during summer — leaving the car a bit further away and walking in is often simpler.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The park itself is a pleasant place for a short break, with greenery, benches, and views over Palma Bay. From here it's a short walk to the marina and to the promenade leading toward the cathedral and the old town. It works well as a stop during a longer seafront walk, especially in the evening when the setting sun lights up the monument's tower.

When to visit?

Early morning or late afternoon are the best times, when temperatures are milder and the light works better for photos. During the day the area gets a lot of direct sun with little shade, which can make a longer stop uncomfortable in midsummer.

Frequently asked questions

What does the monument represent? It commemorates the crew of the cruiser Baleares, sunk in 1938 during the Spanish Civil War.

Why is the monument being removed? Because the ship fought on the Francoist side, and Spain's law on democratic memory requires the removal of symbols tied to the dictatorship.

Is the monument still standing? The removal decision was made in 2026, so it's worth checking the current status before visiting.

How long does a visit take? It's a small viewpoint — 10–15 minutes is enough, unless you combine it with a longer walk along the promenade.