Palma – Lonja de Mallorca

The planning process to construct this building began in 1403 and it was paid for by the Guild of Merchants, who operated it until the middle of the nineteenth century. They looked after the city’s commerce and were also responsible for ensuring that the harbour was kept in a state of good repair.

The grand front door of what is seen as one of the most important secular buildings in the city. The building’s architect was Guillem Sagrega, a local man who was born in the city in 1380 and died in Naples in 1454. He was clearly an influential figure, since he was also for a period in charge of the construction of Palma Cathedral.

The building was used as a military warehouse during the Napoleonic Wars and for much of the twentieth century it was used as an art gallery and museum. From the exterior it looks like a religious structure and there are numerous construction elements which are shared with cathedrals and churches.

The view from one of the grand windows at the rear of the building.

The late Gothic design with six supporting columns and rib vaulting to the ceiling. The space is apparently often used for art installations, but when I visited it was entirely empty, loyally guarded by one security guard sitting in the corner.