Picture this: a bustling square in Palma de Mallorca. This is Plaça de la Quartera. Its cobblestones whisper stories of centuries past.
The Plaça de la Quartera wasn’t always a charming public square. In the 15th century it served a vital purpose. It was a massive grain depot. Imagine the weight of the wheat stored there! The city’s food security rested on this one location. Mayordomos, purgadores, and medidores all worked here. They ensured the public had enough to eat. Millers too had a critical role to play. This was especially important during droughts and food shortages.
This essential role lasted for hundreds of years. Then in 1875 the city council demolished the granary. The depot was deemed no longer necessary. But the name Plaça de la Quartera lives on. It’s a constant reminder of Palma’s history of resilience and resourcefulness. The name Cuartera means “quarter” in Spanish. It suggests the immense scale of the former granary. It likely held enough grain to feed a quarter of the city’s population for a substantial period.
Today Plaça de la Quartera retains a sense of its past. On one side however the traditional portals are missing. These were once characteristic of the area. This leaves a slight gap in the historic cityscape.
West of the plaza on Carrer de la Corderia lies a remarkable landmark. Ca la Seu was once one of Europe’s oldest esparto grass workshops. Founded in 1510 it continued for several centuries. Sadly on its 500th anniversary it was transformed into a bar.
Even without the granary Plaça de la Quartera remains a vital part of Palma. It retains its character. It tells of a time when food security was a matter of life and death. It speaks of the city’s perseverance through hard times. As you stand here today feel the echoes of history. Remember the bustling activity that once filled this space.