A delectable place so beautiful and so island. That’s how Santiago Rusiñol described El Terreno. At the foot of Bellver forest El Terreno unfolds. A picturesque neighborhood. Its history is marked by enjoyment splendor and international openness.
El Terreno started modestly. In 1777 Cristobal Vilella the Royal House’s painter arrived. He was the first resident. Bourgeois and Indians followed building summer villas. They created houses with colonial architecture. Large gardens and exotic trees surrounded the homes.
By the end of the 19th century El Terreno was flourishing. The Gomila family arrived from the Antilles. They built a house. They generously gave the front part to the town hall. It became a children’s playground called sa Plaçeta. Today it’s Plaza Gomila. In 1910 the Reina Victoria opened. It was the first hotel. The Hotel Mediterráneo followed in 1923. El Terreno became a haven for tourists and elite residents. It was known for its iconic hotels and its free spirit.
Wealthy citizens sought refuge here. They found the old town’s narrow streets and dark palaces depressing. El Terreno offered light air sunshine and sea views. Villas popped up on the hillside. They were a short carriage ride to the city center.
Stories abound. King Juan Carlos zoomed through the alleys on his moped. He was meeting his lover. Gertrude Stein’s black shoes clicked on the stairways. The 1950s saw a new wave of tourism. Scandinavians flocked to El Terreno and Cala Major. They were nicknamed Suecos. They brought much-needed convertible currency.
Today El Terreno is experiencing a revival. International schools and nurseries have opened. Its location at the foot of Bellver Park is idyllic. It’s near the city center. Many say it will become Palma’s next most sought-after area.
El Terreno retains its charm. Its narrow streets wind through the neighborhood. It offers a small-town feel. Yet it remains close to the action. From its humble beginnings to its current resurgence El Terreno’s story is one of beauty resilience and enduring appeal. It is truly a delectable place.