“Imagine stepping into a time capsule. You are transported to the baroque era the moment you walk through the doors of Bar Abaco. This isn’t just a bar. It’s an experience.
Bar Abaco opened its doors on December 22 1981. Salvador Palao and Pedro Jaime Lloret founded it. The bar resides within a 17th-century mansion. It’s located on Carrer de Sant Joan 1 in Palma’s old city. The area is known as La Lonja.
The name “Abaco” comes from the large abaci on the columns. These columns once framed the entrance for carriages and horses. The building was known as C’an Marcel. Salvador Palao renovated the architecture. He transformed the spaces. He wanted to evoke the splendor of the baroque period. It feels like a special celebration. You are invited to explore a traditional Mallorcan house.
The entrance courtyard features a rectangular bar. It has tables and armchairs. These are upholstered with 17th-century style Mallorcan fabrics. You will also see antique paintings. Some surrealist pieces add a modern touch. Yet they blend seamlessly. Their colors and trompe-l’oeil techniques create a sense of timelessness. A large fireplace sculptures ceramic plates and holy water fonts adorn the patio. Candles and flowers add to the atmosphere.
Upstairs two halls showcase period decor. Here you can see old copies of Italian masters. Comfortable armchairs invite you to sit and sip. The ambiance celebrates Mediterranean culture. It could be Rome or Florence. Even the kitchen has been restored. It features traditional ceramics and copperware. The main staircase has rococo sconces. Salvador Palao searched for these antiques throughout Spain.
Bar Abaco is furnished with antiques. Ceramics tapestries bronzes and rugs enhance the mansion’s character. Paintings prints and sculptures add to the aesthetic. Fresh flowers fruits and plants create a lively atmosphere. It is not just a museum.
Entering Bar Abaco is like stepping into another era. You might think you’re on a Visconti film set. Perhaps you’ve traveled through time or are in a dream. The reality is equally enchanting.
Locals and visitors alike enjoy Bar Abaco. It evokes memories of a time when things felt natural. Classical music adds to the dreamy atmosphere. It feels like a grand opera.
The Financial Times described Bar Abaco as “surely the most remarkable bar in the world”. That was in 1984. Words can hardly describe it. You must see it to believe it. Visit Bar Abaco and step back in time. Experience the splendor of a bygone era.”