Did the Capuchin friars ever imagine their Palma church would have such a tumultuous journey? The Església dels Caputxins stands before us, a testament to their resilience. The Capuchins first tried to settle here in 1623. But Franciscan opposition stalled their plans. It wasn’t until 1626 that the first friars arrived from Zaragoza, establishing Església dels Caputxins. Construction of their first convent began outside the city walls between 1680 and 1683, near Jesùs Gate. Then, in 1771, this initial structure was demolished under the guise of improving city defenses. The friars of Església dels Caputxins were temporarily displaced while a new location was secured within the city walls. Construction of the new Església dels Caputxins convent began in 1778, with the church being blessed in 1791. Yet, more turmoil was on the horizon. The order was suppressed in 1836 during a wave of secularization. Església dels Caputxins itself narrowly escaped demolition in 1861. Finally, the Capuchins returned to Palma and Església dels Caputxins in 1906, reclaiming their church and resuming their presence in the city. They have remained here ever since, a quiet presence offering aid to those in need.
Antoni Maria Alcover i Sureda
Born amidst the sun-drenched fields of Santa Cirga, Antoni Maria Alcover i Sureda, a name synonymous with Majorcan literary revival,