Palma de Mallorca - Royal Palace La Almudaina, Estàtua des Foner, Llac del Cigne, by Thomas Bugdoll

Even from afar, the Moorish building stands out, stately enthroned next to the landmark of Palma de Mallorca. The Almudaina Palace is one of the top sights of the city.

The Palacio de Almudaina (Almudaina means citadel outside the city walls) is a former fortress of Arab origin. It dates back to the time when Mallorca was occupied by Moorish rulers from North Africa. The Moors ruled the island from 902 to 1229, choosing it as a strategically important naval base. Mallorca was an emirate in its own right, living off the slave trade and piracy.

But the occupation of the island also had good sides. Thus, the Muslim rulers brought their architecture (pointed arches and courtyards), agriculture (terracing as in Banyalbufar, irrigation systems, lemon trees), spices (even today we use saffron and raisins in our dishes) and typical urban planning (small streets, squares, richly decorated townhouses, bathhouses) to the occupied territory, shaping the capital Palma de Mallorca until today.

The romantic pond "Llac del Cigne " under the wall arch of the Drassana (Arc de sa Drassana) is slightly hidden outside and below the Royal Palace La Almudaina and the Cathedral next to the Moorish Garden S'Hort del Rei.