Did you know that Els Hostalets in Palma wasn’t always the residential area it is today? It has a fascinating story. Let’s step back in time to discover the origins of this unique neighborhood.
Els Hostalets was once a place for farmers. They journeyed into the city of Mallorca. This was along the old Inca road. They needed a place to stay. That place was the Hostal d’en Canyelles.
The Canyelles family owned this hostal. They had it since at least the 17th century. Mateu Canyelles owned it in 1685. The hostal covered a significant area. Pere Canyelles expanded it. He added the porch of Son Carbonell. This was also known as the Hostalet d’Inca. Later, it belonged to Bartomeu Picornell. His son Francesc married Margalida Canyelles.
Around this hostal Els Hostalets grew. It happened as estates like Son Fortesa were established. Also Son Sunyeret and l’Hort de Can Verderol contributed. The hostal building itself was demolished in 2008. As of 2013 the site remained undeveloped.
Els Hostalets became part of Palma’s first expansion plan in 1877. Initially only one-story buildings were allowed. All land was divided into plots in the early 20th century.
Els Hostalets has a rich history of associations. The Uniò Camperola formed in 1879. It was a recreational and mutual aid society. In the late 19th century a society linked to the Unión Republicana party was here. The working-class background of many families led to syndicalism. Groups like la Primavera appeared. Also la Igualtat and el Treball emerged. During the Second Republic a communist group linked to the Spanish Communist Party formed. The Bloc Popular Antifeixista won the 1936 municipal elections.
During the Civil War there were several murders. Jaume Bauçà i Far was a well-known victim. He was a shoemaker and socialist councilor. Today a neighborhood association exists since 1984. Els Hostalets traditionally supported Atlètic Balears. This was a working-class and left-leaning team.
An oratory dedicated to the Assumption of the Virgin was built in 1882. It was torn down in 1940. In 1905 it became a vicaria in capite. It was under the parish of Sant Miquel. As the area grew a new church was built from 1913 to 1924. Guillem Bennàssar designed it. In 1926 it became a parish. It was dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
The Augustinian nuns established themselves here in 1902. In 1918 they founded a girls’ school. Public education included a girls’ school and a kindergarten in 1934. The Col·legi Públic Santa Isabel was created in 1942.
The Cinema Doré operated from the late 1920s. Later it was known as Dorado. It closed in the late 1980s. Healthcare needs are met by the Arquitecte Bennàssar primary care center. It opened in 1991. A sports area exists with a multi-sports court since 1969.
So, as you wander through Els Hostalets remember its past. From a simple hostal to a thriving neighborhood, it has a story to tell. It is a story of farmers workers and community. This place has evolved while retaining its unique character.