Palma City Council

Palma City Council (Ajuntament de Palma) is the town hall of Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, standing on the historic Plaça de Cort right at the heart of the old town. For more than three and a half centuries the building has served as the seat of the city government and remains one of the island's most distinctive Baroque landmarks.

What is the history behind the building?

The current town hall was built between 1649 and 1680 on the site of the earlier Sant Andreu hospital and the old Casa de la Universitat. The project was carried out by local architects Pere Bauçá, Miquel Oliver and Bartomeu Calafat, who gave the building the form typical of Mallorcan palatial architecture of the period. The city inherited furnishings and artwork from the earlier institutions, including a gallery of portraits of notable Mallorcan citizens that still decorates the interior today.

The building's history has not been without setbacks. On 28 February 1894 a major fire broke out inside, destroying almost the entire interior. The reconstruction that followed was overseen by municipal architect Manuel Chápuli, who redesigned the interior layout while preserving the historic character of the facade.

What does the architecture look like?

The facade combines Baroque style with Mannerist elements. Its three storeys, each slightly smaller than the one below, follow the pattern of a traditional Mallorcan noble house, and the whole composition is topped by a striking projecting eave that casts deep shade over the facade and shields it from the island's intense sun.

Inside, a rectangular hall with two entrances is divided into three aisles and twelve bays by six slender, spirally twisted columns. The space is covered by ribbed vaults, giving an impression of lightness despite the building's solid construction. Because of its historical and artistic value, the facade was declared a historic-artistic monument on 3 June 1931.

Where is the town hall and how do you get there?

The building stands on Plaça de Cort, one of Palma's most important squares, surrounded by cafés and shops just a few minutes' walk from La Seu cathedral and the historic city centre. It's a natural landmark when exploring the old town and is easily reached on foot from most hotels in the centre.

Can visitors go inside?

The building remains an active city hall, so access to the interior is generally limited to administration opening hours or specific occasions. It's worth checking current conditions locally or at a tourist information point before planning a visit — the facade and the square itself, however, are freely accessible at all times and are a popular spot for photos.

Frequently asked questions

When was Palma's town hall built? The main building was constructed between 1649 and 1680, on the site of earlier municipal structures.

Who designed the building? The architects were Pere Bauçá, Miquel Oliver and Bartomeu Calafat.

Has the building suffered any damage over the years? Yes, a major fire in 1894 destroyed the interior, requiring a full reconstruction led by architect Manuel Chápuli.

Is the facade a protected monument? The facade was declared a historic-artistic monument in 1931.

Where exactly is the town hall located? On Plaça de Cort, in the heart of Palma's old town, close to the cathedral.