Palma, capital of the autonomous region of the Balearic Islands, is a lively, cosmopolitan city in true Spanish tradition, its city center forming a bustling montage of shopping centers, a maze of narrow lanes and restored buildings surrounded by ruined ancient city walls, and modern boulevards. Like mainland Spain, Mallorca and Palma itself was under Moorish control between the 9th and 13th centuries until the re-conquest by Jaume I of Aragon. The Moorish heritage is still evident, as are the remnants of Palma’s golden years when it rose to wealth and prominence in the 15th century as the main port of call between Europe and Africa. Later the city, set on the beautiful bay Bahia de Palma, became the favored Royal retreat for Fernando and Isabel, which helped it to become the popular holiday destination of the rich and famous. Despite the invasion of foreign tourists Palma has kept its local flavor, particularly in its old quarter lined by cafes and tapas bars. Often the native dialect of mallorquin is the only language heard in the backstreets.
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