quarter de Son Mosson

“A forgotten monument to Il Duce? Here, in Palma?” Quarter de Son Mosson hides surprising stories. This quarter may appear as mere ruins now. But it once pulsed with life as a military barracks. Built in 1936, Quarter de Son Mosson initially housed Italian pilots of the Aviación Legionaria. These pilots played a key role in the Spanish Civil War. Operating from the nearby Son Sant Joan military airfield, their presence marked a significant period in Palma’s history. After the war, the barracks transitioned to Spanish control. It served as an artillery base, housing the Grupo de Artillería Antiaérea Número 1 until 1965. It later became home to the Grupo Regional de Intendencia, solidifying its role as a key military hub. The quarter’s name, Quarter d’Intendència de Son Banya, reflects this era. In 1999, the military vacated Quarter de Son Mosson. The Govern de les Illes Balears acquired it the following year, proposing various uses. It briefly served as the Arxiu General de la Comunitat Autònoma. Plans for a security and training center were considered, then abandoned. The idea resurfaced in 2007. There were further plans for a police academy and a fire department training school. Ultimately, these plans never materialized. Today, Gestió d’Emergències de les Illes Balears manages Quarter de Son Mosson. Its future purpose remains undecided. A fascinating anecdote highlights the quarter’s Italian connection. A monument dedicated to Benito Mussolini once stood within its grounds. Erected in 1939 by an Aviación Legionaria member, it was later demolished in the 1950s. This hidden history adds an intriguing layer to Quarter de Son Mosson’s story. While much of the quarter lies in ruins, it whispers tales of war, transition, and forgotten tributes.