Porta del Camp square

Porta del Camp square sits in Palma de Mallorca, right against one of the oldest surviving gates of the city's medieval wall.

Where exactly is the square?

The square lies on the eastern edge of Palma's old town, at the point where the medieval quarter meets the remains of the city's fortifications. A surviving stretch of the old entrance gate gives the square its name — "camp" means field in Catalan, and the gate once led travelers out toward the farmland beyond the walled city.

Where does the gate come from?

The site's history goes back to the island's Islamic period. The second, much larger ring of walls, which came to enclose the whole of today's historic center, was built under Mubashir Nasir al-Dawla, ruler of the taifa of the Balearics, between 1095 and 1114. Before that, a smaller Roman-era wall from the 4th–5th centuries had covered only part of what is now the old town. The gate at Porta del Camp was one of the access points into this expanded Islamic perimeter, and according to local sources it once stood close to a stronghold known as Gumara.

What is there to see?

The main draw is the surviving stretch of wall itself — the old battlements and gate opening give a sense of scale for Palma's former defenses. Today the square works as a quiet viewpoint and rest stop for people walking the old town, away from the crowds of the main shopping streets. The city has recently carried out conservation work here: the bridge running through the Porta del Camp area was restored and reopened in mid-2022, improving both access and the look of the surroundings. Palma's council has also floated plans for a history interpretation center dedicated to the city wall, to open once restoration of this stretch of fortifications is finished.

How do you get there?

The square is within easy walking distance of La Seu cathedral and the old fishing port, so the simplest way in is on foot, following the line of the old walls from the seafront. It makes a good stop for visitors who, after covering Palma's main landmarks, want to see a less obvious but genuinely historic corner of the city — no queue, no entry ticket required.

When is the best time to visit?

Early morning or late afternoon works best, when the sun sits low and the stone walls take on a warm color. In summer the square gets fully exposed to the midday sun with little shade, so it is worth skipping the hottest hours.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee for Porta del Camp square? No — it is an open public space, free to visit at any hour.

How much time should I set aside? Seeing the square itself takes about 15–20 minutes, but it pairs well with a longer walk along Palma's old defensive walls.

Are there other landmarks nearby? Yes, the square borders the remains of the city wall, and both La Seu cathedral and Palma's old fishing port are within walking distance.

Is it suitable for families with children? Yes, it is a calm, traffic-free open space, good for a short break while exploring the old town.