La Lonja is considered one of most important buildings from Mallorca.
Guillem Sagrera (1380-1454) was the author of this landmark that was built in a mallorcan gothic civil style. He was born in a mallorcan village named Felanitx. He was responsible for the construction of Portal del Mirador - Portal of the Seas of the Cathedral of Palma.
La Lonja was built to be the headquarter of Col-legi de La Mercaderia (College of Merchants) taking into account the huge business influence that involved Mallorca in the medieval age. This Island was an important economic point in the Mediterranean
Sea.
The works started in 1426 and finished in 1447. This building was used as a model to the construction of La Lonja in Valencia, Spain, in 1482.
Until the XVII century, when the Mediterranean business suffered a crisis, La Llotja, was well known also, was used as a storage, a hotel and also a hiring room.
Since 1913 it is a historical-artistic monument and is managed by the Balearic Government.
La Lonja is worth a visit!
What kind of building is La Lonja?
This venue, outside, is rectangular with four octogonal towers decorated with battlements. What calls our attention are the crenellations surrounding this place including ten small towers and gargoyles which main aim is to take out the water from the roof and beauty the building.
Over the main entrance there is a sculpture that simbolizes the “Angel Custódio” that was made by Guillem Sagrera. There are also religious images such as Saint John the Baptist.
The interior of this venue is spectacular. There is a huge room with five pointed vaults and a group of six high and thin columns which simulate a palm-tree garden.
The internal ceiling show us shields, which maintain the original polychromy in gold, of Mallorca and Aragon Kingdons and the city of Palma.
Windows which were decorated with filigree applications connect us with the exterior giving a magical light to this space.
In each corner there is a door which was decorated with figures of the evangelists. There is a spiral staircase, in one of those doors, that leads us to the terrace to enjoy beautiful over Palma’s Bay. By the way you can access it only when there are guided tours in this building.
From La Lonja you can appreciate some of the Consolat de la Mar, the building which was a special court of justice and nowadays is the headquarter of the Balearic Government.
La Llotja
Plaça de la Llotja, 5
Palma
Schedule:
From Tuesday to Sunday - 10:30h - 13:30h
17:30h - 23:00h
Monday - closed.
It is free of charge.
Thank you so much for reading this blog. Until next time!
I’m currently in the social networks - Facebook and Instagram - as Eliana Pacifico Guia Mallorc
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