Can Blau

Did you know Can Blau takes its name from a family nickname? The Oliver family, originally from Llucalcari, Deia, were known as “Can Blau.” This tradition of nicknames, common in Majorcan towns, connects Can Blau to a heritage stretching back to 1900. Now, Can Blau Homes stands in Palma’s “Sa Gerreria” district, in a building with its own rich past. This very structure once housed a bustling textile factory in the late 18th century. Imagine the rhythmic clatter of looms filling the air, as workers spun hemp, linen, cotton, wool, and silk. This factory contributed to Mallorca’s thriving textile industry, renowned for fabrics like “Llista.” This cotton and flax blend was a staple for clothing. The factory also produced durable cotton canvas, used for ship sails and the decorative “Llengos” curtains. Can Blau Homes opened in 2014. While the interior has been renovated, the facade remains. It serves as a reminder of Palma’s industrial heritage. Inside, you’ll discover a curated collection of historical objects. A Gordiola lamp, a unique hand-blown glass piece from a factory in Algaida, illuminates the space. “Alfabies,” handmade glass jars originally used to preserve plants, add a touch of vintage charm. Look down and you’ll see the hydraulic mosaic floor. This pigmented cement tile, popular from the mid-19th to the mid-20th century, adds a splash of color. Can Blau also houses a collection of 19th-century photography cameras, gramophones, jukeboxes, and typewriters. These treasures, sourced from local markets and fairs, connect Can Blau to the island’s broader history. Can Blau offers a blend of modern comfort and historical echoes. It’s a place where the past whispers stories into the present.