Spain / Portugal / Gibraltar

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic center of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The first time I had churros was when I walked to Santiago de Compostela in 2010. Meanwhile, churros have made it all over Europe. I had them from Palermo up to Hamburg.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic center of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The erection of Santa Eulàlia, (maybe) the oldest church in Palma, started just weeks after the conquest of Mallorca by King James I the Conqueror in December 1299. Like most churches of the early times, it was built on the ruins of an Arab mosque. The three-aisled, cross-shaped church was dedicated to Saint Eulàlia, who was venerated as the patron saint of Barcelona at the time. The Jewish quarter belonged to the administrative district of the parish of Santa Eulàlia. In 1391 there was a peasant revolt which was directed against the Jews. The pogrom on the night of August 2, 1391, resulted in over 300 deaths. Many Jews were able to flee to northern Africa. Others converted to Christianity in this parish to save their lives. This side portal, seen here, is known as the silversmiths´ portal because that was the profession practised by most of the converted Jews.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic center of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The erection of Santa Eulàlia, (maybe) the oldest church in Palma, started just weeks after the conquest of Mallorca by King James I the Conqueror in December 1299. Like most churches of the early times, it was built on the ruins of an Arab mosque. The three-aisled, cross-shaped church was dedicated to Saint Eulàlia, who was venerated as the patron saint of Barcelona at the time. After an earthquake in the 19th century, the main facade was rebuilt and finished in Neo-gothic style. Only the amazing rose window was preserved from the original facade from the 1400s.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic center of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The erection of Santa Eulàlia, (maybe) the oldest church in Palma, started just weeks after the conquest of Mallorca by King James I the Conqueror in December 1299. Like most churches of the early times, it was built on the ruins of an Arab mosque. The three-aisled, cross-shaped church was dedicated to Saint Eulàlia, who was venerated as the patron saint of Barcelona at the time. It was here that in 1276 James II, son of King James I (Jaume el Conqueridor) took oath when being crowned King of Mallorca.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic center of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. Mercat de l'Olivar is the large covered food market of Palma. Just before Christmas, it is very busy here. More than one hundred of delicatessen stalls sell all sorts of food - fruit, vegetables, ham, sausages, cheese, bread, oil, olives, fish ... Between the stalls are a couple of tiny restaurants and takeaways.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic center of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The Santa Margarita monastery originally dates back to the 13th century and is one of the oldest Christian monuments in Mallorca. It was converted into a military hospital and by now hosts the "Centro de historia y cultura militar de Baleares".

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic center of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The Palma Cathedral, named "La Seu" by the locals, seen from the fortifications around the harbour.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic center of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The Santa Margarita monastery originally dates back to the 13th century and is one of the oldest Christian monuments in Mallorca. It was converted into a military hospital and by now hosts the "Centro de historia y cultura militar de Baleares".

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic centre of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The foundation stone for the cathedral was laid in 1230 by King James I of Aragon (Jaume el Conqueridor) after the conquest of Mallorca in 1229. It was erected in the Catalan Gothic style on the site of a former mosque. Under Jaume II, the son of the conqueror, the actual construction of the cathedral began in 1306 from the main apse. The nave was completed in 1587, the main portal was consecrated in 1601. Work on the main facade began in 1852 and was not finished until the beginning of the 20th century. The cathedral is 109.50 m long and 33 meters wide, the main nave measures 75.50 m length and 19.50 m width. The main nave is 44 m high, which is higher than the nave of Notre Dame de Paris (33m) and Notre-Dame d'Amiens (42m), but lower than the nave of Saint-Pierre de Beauvais, with a height of 48m the highest of all Gothic cathedrals. It sits overlooking the Parc de la Mar and the Mediterranean Sea, protected by the old town walls.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic center of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The foundation stone for the cathedral was laid in 1230 by King James I of Aragon (Jaume el Conqueridor) after the conquest of Mallorca in 1229. It was erected in the Catalan Gothic style on the site of a former mosque. Under Jaume II, the son of the conqueror, the actual construction of the cathedral began in 1306 from the main apse. The nave was completed in 1587, the main portal was consecrated in 1601. Work on the main facade began in 1852 and was not finished until the beginning of the 20th century. The cathedral is 109.50 m long and 33 meters wide, the main nave measures 75.50 m length and 19.50 m width. The main nave is 44 m high, which is higher than the nave of Notre Dame de Paris (33m) and Notre-Dame d'Amiens (42m), but lower than the nave of Saint-Pierre de Beauvais, with a height of 48m the highest of all Gothic cathedrals. The central portal.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic center of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The foundation stone for the cathedral was laid in 1230 by King James I of Aragon (Jaume el Conqueridor) after the conquest of Mallorca in 1229. It was erected in the Catalan Gothic style on the site of a former mosque. Under Jaume II, the son of the conqueror, the actual construction of the cathedral began in 1306 from the main apse. The nave was completed in 1587, the main portal was consecrated in 1601. Work on the main facade began in 1852 and was not finished until the beginning of the 20th century. The cathedral is 109.50 m long and 33 meters wide, the main nave measures 75.50 m length and 19.50 m width. The main nave is 44 m high, which is higher than the nave of Notre Dame de Paris (33m) and Notre-Dame d'Amiens (42m), but lower than the nave of Saint-Pierre de Beauvais, with a height of 48m the highest of all Gothic cathedrals. The central portal´s rose window.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic centre of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The foundation stone for the cathedral was laid in 1230 by King James I of Aragon (Jaume el Conqueridor) after the conquest of Mallorca in 1229. It was erected in the Catalan Gothic style on the site of a former mosque. Under Jaume II, the son of the conqueror, the actual construction of the cathedral began in 1306 from the main apse. The nave was completed in 1587, the main portal was consecrated in 1601. Work on the main facade began in 1852 and was not finished until the beginning of the 20th century. The cathedral is 109.50 m long and 33 meters wide, the main nave measures 75.50 m length and 19.50 m width. The main nave is 44 m high, which is higher than the nave of Notre Dame de Paris (33m) and Notre-Dame d'Amiens (42m), but lower than the nave of Saint-Pierre de Beauvais, with a height of 48m the highest of all Gothic cathedrals. On the southern side, facing the ocean, lies the Mirador portal.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic centre of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The foundation stone for the cathedral was laid in 1230 by King James I of Aragon (Jaume el Conqueridor) after the conquest of Mallorca in 1229. It was erected in the Catalan Gothic style on the site of a former mosque. Under Jaume II, the son of the conqueror, the actual construction of the cathedral began in 1306 from the main apse. The nave was completed in 1587, the main portal was consecrated in 1601. Work on the main facade began in 1852 and was not finished until the beginning of the 20th century. The cathedral is 109.50 m long and 33 meters wide, the main nave measures 75.50 m length and 19.50 m width. The main nave is 44 m high, which is higher than the nave of Notre Dame de Paris (33m) and Notre-Dame d'Amiens (42m), but lower than the nave of Saint-Pierre de Beauvais, with a height of 48m the highest of all Gothic cathedrals. Inside the cathedral facing west.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic centre of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The foundation stone for the cathedral was laid in 1230 by King James I of Aragon (Jaume el Conqueridor) after the conquest of Mallorca in 1229. It was erected in the Catalan Gothic style on the site of a former mosque. Under Jaume II, the son of the conqueror, the actual construction of the cathedral began in 1306 from the main apse. The nave was completed in 1587, the main portal was consecrated in 1601. Work on the main facade began in 1852 and was not finished until the beginning of the 20th century. The cathedral is 109.50 m long and 33 meters wide, the main nave measures 75.50 m length and 19.50 m width. The main nave is 44 m high, which is higher than the nave of Notre Dame de Paris (33m) and Notre-Dame d'Amiens (42m), but lower than the nave of Saint-Pierre de Beauvais, with a height of 48m the highest of all Gothic cathedrals. Inside the cathedral facing west.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic centre of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The foundation stone for the cathedral was laid in 1230 by King James I of Aragon (Jaume el Conqueridor) after the conquest of Mallorca in 1229. It was erected in the Catalan Gothic style on the site of a former mosque. Under Jaume II, the son of the conqueror, the actual construction of the cathedral began in 1306 from the main apse. The nave was completed in 1587, the main portal was consecrated in 1601. Work on the main facade began in 1852 and was not finished until the beginning of the 20th century. The cathedral is 109.50 m long and 33 meters wide, the main nave measures 75.50 m length and 19.50 m width. The main nave is 44 m high, which is higher than the nave of Notre Dame de Paris (33m) and Notre-Dame d'Amiens (42m), but lower than the nave of Saint-Pierre de Beauvais, with a height of 48m the highest of all Gothic cathedrals. On Christmas Eve the Magi wear their golden robes.

Mallorca is the largest island in the Mediterranean Balearic Islands, which are part of Spain. Mallorca is an extremely popular holiday destination. The Palma de Mallorca Airport, one of the busiest in Spain, is used by about 30 million tourists per year. Palma is the political and economic centre of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands. Palma is a Roman foundation from the time the island was occupied by the Roman Empire in 123 BC. Almost half of the island´s population of more than 890.000 today live in Palma. From Between 902 and 1229 the city was under Islamic control. It was conquered after three months of siege in December 1229 by the troops of James I of Aragon ( aka "Jaume el Conqueridor"). Palma became the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. After Jame´s death, Palma became joint capital of the Kingdom, together with Perpignan. The Aragonese expanded the city, so that at its heyday in the 16th century it had around 40,000 inhabitants. The foundation stone for the cathedral was laid in 1230 by King James I of Aragon (Jaume el Conqueridor) after the conquest of Mallorca in 1229. It was erected in the Catalan Gothic style on the site of a former mosque. Under Jaume II, the son of the conqueror, the actual construction of the cathedral began in 1306 from the main apse. The nave was completed in 1587, the main portal was consecrated in 1601. Work on the main facade began in 1852 and was not finished until the beginning of the 20th century. The cathedral is 109.50 m long and 33 meters wide, the main nave measures 75.50 m length and 19.50 m width. The main nave is 44 m high, which is higher than the nave of Notre Dame de Paris (33m) and Notre-Dame d'Amiens (42m), but lower than the nave of Saint-Pierre de Beauvais, with a height of 48m the highest of all Gothic cathedrals.

Cádiz, located on a narrow slice of land surrounded by the sea‚ is regarded by some scholars as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe, founded by he Phoenicians around 1100 BC. Since 530 BCE it was held by Carthaginians, Hannibal visited a temple here, before he set off to cross the Alps and invade Italy. Later the city fell to the Romans. The Visigoths destroyed the Roman city in 410, Arab troops conquered the city in 711 and called it Qādis. The Normans devasted the city in 844, but the Moors rebuilt it. Alphonso X of Castile took Cádiz from the Moors in 1262 during the Reconquista. The city got very wealthy by the trade with America and in the 16th century got raided and looted by pirates from Northern Africa and British fleets under Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh. Cádiz recovered and within the 18th century could afford to erect a (new) cathedral between 1722 and 1838. The cathedral is known as "The Cathedral of The Americas" because it was built with money from the trade between Spain and America. Today the huge cathedral is crumbling, so nets are located above the heads of the visitors.

Cádiz, located on a narrow slice of land surrounded by the sea‚ is regarded by some scholars as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Western Europe, founded by he Phoenicians around 1100 BC. Since 530 BCE it was held by Carthaginians, Hannibal visited a temple here, before he set off to cross the Alps and invade Italy. Later the city fell to the Romans. The Visigoths destroyed the Roman city in 410, Arab troops conquered the city in 711 and called it Qādis. The Normans devasted the city in 844, but the Moors rebuilt it. Alphonso X of Castile took Cádiz from the Moors in 1262 during the Reconquista. The city got very wealthy by the trade with America and in the 16th century got raided and looted by pirates from Northern Africa and British fleets under Francis Drake and Walter Raleigh. Cádiz recovered and within the 18th century could afford to erect a (new) cathedral between 1722 and 1838. The cathedral is known as "The Cathedral of The Americas" because it was built with money from the trade between Spain and America. Today the huge cathedral is crumbling, so nets are located above the heads of the visitors. The dome over the crossing.