Between Walls and Sea: The Living History of the Baluard del Princep
“Architecture is not just about building; it is about keeping the memory of humanity alive.”
There are places where time seems to stand still — where ancient stones whisper stories of the past, and the sea, eternal witness, still gazes upon the same walls that once guarded the city. One of those places is the Baluard del Princep, the historic bastion that gives its name to the Es Princep Hotel.
Located at the eastern end of Palma’s Renaissance wall, this bastion was built in the 16th century as part of an ambitious defensive system designed to protect the city from maritime attacks. Supervised by Prince Philip, later King Philip II, the fortification soon became a symbol of power and vigilance.
The Fortified Soul of Palma
In the 16th century, Palma was a jewel of the Mediterranean — prosperous, cosmopolitan, and strategically vital for trade. The bastions, including Baluard del Princep and Baluard de Sant Pere, formed part of a defensive ring encircling the old town, offering panoramic views of the bay and the sea routes beyond.
Over the centuries, the walls witnessed wars, ships, and transformation. Many fortifications were dismantled in the 19th century as the city expanded, but the Baluard del Princep endured, preserving its majestic presence facing the Mediterranean.
Today, the Es Princep Hotel pays tribute to that legacy. Its name, location, and architecture are inspired by the very history of the land it stands upon. From the moment it opened, the hotel has seamlessly merged the strength of its heritage with the elegance of modern design — a meeting point between past and present.
Where the Past Becomes Art
During the hotel’s construction, the foundations revealed an unexpected treasure: ancient tools once used by local tanners, whose workshops had occupied this very area centuries ago. These discoveries have been lovingly preserved and are now displayed as pieces of art, a tangible reminder that Es Princep rises from the same ground where craftsmanship and tradition once thrived.
Every corner of the hotel reflects this respect for history. From the use of noble materials in its interiors to the sweeping views of the walls and the sea, everything at Es Princep evokes a harmony between memory and modernity. Wandering nearby — through Parc de la Mar, along the Renaissance walls, or toward the Baluard de Sant Pere — is to discover the authentic Palma, a city that measures time not in years, but in beauty.
A Legacy Looking Toward the Future
The Baluard del Princep is more than a fortification; it is a metaphor for Mallorca itself — an island that protects its essence while opening its arms to the world. Staying at Es Princep means living that duality: feeling history beneath your feet and the Mediterranean stretching endlessly before you.
Here, between walls and sea, history is not preserved — it is lived.
