Palma

Palma, (1) the capital of the island of Majorca (q.v.) and of the Balearic Islands, stands on the Bay of Palma, on the south coast. The cathedral, a Gothic edifice (1232-1601), contains the tomb of King Jayme II. of Aragon and a valuable collection of church ornaments. The tomb of Raymond Lully (q.v.) is in the church of St Francis. There are, further, a beautiful exchange (1426-46), an old Moorish palace, and a 16th-century town-hall, with pictures. Palma is one of the most aristocratic cities in Europe. Pop. (1887) 60,514. They weave silks and woollens, make jewellery, and various articles of common use. The port is protected by a mole, and the town by a wall and batteries. The commerce reaches a total value of about £1,600,000 per annum.—(2) A town of Sicily, 14 miles SE. of Girgenti. Pop. 11,702.—(3) The name of one of the larger of the Canary Islands (q.v.).