Palma's hidden courtyards

One of the old town's secrets is its stately courtyards: more than a hundred noble houses, Gothic in origin and remodelled in Baroque times, hide columns, stone staircases and wells behind their gates. The prettiest are in the streets between the Cathedral, Sant Francesc and Plaça de Cort (Can Vivot, Can Oleza, Can Bordils…). Many are private homes, so you see them from the doorway when it's open, usually in the morning.

To step inside freely, visit Casal Solleric on the Born or Can Balaguer, two mansions turned into cultural spaces. On certain dates, such as around Corpus Christi, private courtyards open to the public.

To see them well, follow a short route: from Plaça de Santa Eulàlia, walk down Carrer de Can Savellà, home to Can Vivot, carry on to Carrer de Morey, with Can Oleza, and finish on Carrer de Sant Francesc and Plaça de Cort. In an hour at a gentle pace you'll pass a dozen doorways. Look for the columns with Ionic capitals, the stone staircase up to the main floor, the well and the low arches, the hallmarks of Mallorcan courtyards.

The usual mistake is walking in where the door is ajar: almost all are lived-in homes and shared buildings. Look from the threshold and don't take flash photos inside. If you want to sit in a courtyard, Can Balaguer opens Tuesday to Saturday and has a café on the mezzanine, and at Casal Solleric you can climb its grand imperial staircase. Both are free and closed on Mondays.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Palma's courtyards?

Most are private homes and can only be seen from the doorway when it's open, mainly in the morning. To walk in freely, Casal Solleric on the Born and Can Balaguer on Carrer de la Unió are free. On special dates, such as Corpus Christi, some private courtyards open to the public.

Where are the most beautiful courtyards in Palma?

In the old town, between the Cathedral, Sant Francesc and Plaça de Cort. The best known are Can Vivot on Carrer de Can Savellà, Can Oleza on Carrer de Morey, and Can Bordils. You can walk round them in an hour.

Updated in October 2026