Palma formerly called Palmaria was founded in 123 BC as one of the two cities on the Island of Mallorca. The other city, called Pollentia, was located on the Northeast. Both cities were used as Roman Ports: Pollentia served as a gateway to cities on the northwestern parts of the Mediterranean Sea; while Palmaria opened the doors of trade to countries like Africa.

When the Roman Empire fell, the island of Mallorca, particularly the city of Palmaria suffered immensely in the hands of vandals. Later on, the city was conquered and colonized by the Byzantine and Moors respectively. While Palma was under Moorish rule, the island was called Medina Mayurqa. Palma remained under the Moorish influence from 707 to 1229. On the eve of the new year, James I of Aragon conquered the moors and called Medina Mayurqa Palma de Mallorca, the name by which the city is known today.

Palma de Mallorca witnessed much progress under the rule of James I and his son, James II. Several architectural masterpieces, including the Bellver Castle, Palace of Almudaina, the Cathedral of Mallorca and other churches, statues and monuments were built under the reign of James II. Much of these architectural wonders can still be seen today.

After the reign of James II, the city experienced its own share of troubles and uprisings, which greatly affected the industry of the island. It was only in 1715, when Philip V issued a decree that separated the island and municipal government that the island experienced a rebirth. By the 18th century, due to increasing commerce with the United States, Palma de Mallorca became a bustling port once again. Further economic development was driven by the advent of mass tourism in the 1950’s and this helped mould Palma into the tourist destination it is today.

Before embarking on any journey, you must always try to find out more about your destination. You do this so you would have a better understanding of the culture and appreciate all that you would see, taste, feel and experience. This should be the case, whether you go on a business trip or one that is purely for pleasure.