Helvetic Airways Newsflash Nr. 37 / 2013
 
 
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Palma de Mallorca - the City of Courtyards
The courtyards of the old city residences, known as patios, can usually only be glimpsed through a chink. They lie hidden behind high walls or beautifully ornate cast-iron gates. To the city's great pride, many of these patios have remained unaltered for centuries.

Gothic archways, Baroque balustrades, sandstone pillars and marble stairways alike: all have retained the design influence of bygone eras, the main feature being their lavish and intricate design.

Two small details are particularly worth mentioning:
- Even today, on some doors you can still find door knobs at two different levels; one for those on foot, the other for Majorcans on horseback.
- If a baby boy or girl was born, the entrance to the patio would have been adorned with either a laurel or an olive branch.

Fountains were an essential feature of the courtyards. They were particularly valuable on such an arid island. The patios were once filled with lively activity. Feasts were celebrated and business conducted. Sadly the role of these magnificent courtyards was lost as the nobility were impoverished, until eventually they were closed completely for fear of intruders.

Do you fancy that Majorcan open-air lounge ambience? Then it's time to start thinking about your next trip to the island. Patios that have been prepared lovingly for guests can be found in some fincas.

Bern-Palma de Mallorca with Helvetic Airways: Thursdays and Sundays until 20.10.2013
 
 
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