Fancy a stroll through a neighborhood that feels like a village yet sits in the heart of Palma? That’s Son Espanyolet for you. This residential area offers a unique blend of tranquility and accessibility. It is nestled in the Ponent district.
Son Espanyolet has a population of 7580 inhabitants. The neighborhood emerged in the late 19th century. It features residential properties and small shops. You can find many schools here, mainly private ones and nurseries. This is due to its relatively peripheral location.
Once, Son Espanyolet was part of an old estate. It bordered Santa Catalina, Son Dureta, Son Cotoneret, and Son Puigdorfila. The Caro family owned it. They were the Marquesses de la Romana. They parcelled and sold the land in the last decade of the 19th century. The family then moved to Madrid.
Land east of the road became second homes. The road is now Carrer de Son Espanyolet. It once stretched to Sant Magí church. The land west of the road went to religious orders. The Liguorian friars and the Sacred Heart congregation built a school there. Alzina, Mas, and Portugal streets were among the first built. Today, Portugal Street is called Porto. These streets boast some of the most luxurious houses. Many have art nouveau details.
The Caro family entrusted the land sales to trusted individuals. Bartomeu Morlà Thomàs was one such man. He was a canon and Carlist. He managed the Caro’s affairs. Joan Calafat i Morlà, a priest and Morlà’s nephew, also helped. Josep Mas Alzina bought large plots and resold them. These figures named streets after themselves and their families. That is why you see streets like Mas, Calafat, Contestí, Morlà, Alzina, and Sant Josep. Urbanization started in the 19th century. It concluded in the early decades of the 20th.
In 1910, the Lugorian friars merged with the Theatines. They established a seminary. In 1966, they built Sant Gaietà school there. Today, this school falls administratively under Son Dureta. In 1938, the Assumpció church separated from Sant Magí. It became its own parish. The Sacred Heart nuns renovated their school. They constructed a new building in 1972.
Like other city neighborhoods, Son Espanyolet once had a tram line. It ran until 1958. Buses replaced it. Today, several EMT bus lines connect the neighborhood. Lines 7, 20, and 29 serve the area.
In its early years, Son Espanyolet served as a secondary residence. Middle-class families showcased their wealth here. As a result, you can see many unique houses. Some have protected status for their heritage value.
Noteworthy houses include Villa Maria on Porto Street. There are also distinctive houses on Alzina Street and Miquel Porcel Street. The famous Poble Espanyol lies near Son Espanyolet. Although technically in Son Dureta, it remains a highlight of the area. It showcases Spanish architecture with reproductions of monuments from across the peninsula.
Son Espanyolet offers a tranquil escape. Yet, it keeps you close to Palma’s vibrant heart. It is an area that blends history with modern living. Enjoy the relaxed pace and discover the charm of Son Espanyolet.