Santa Catalina is a neighborhood with a rich maritime history.

Its proximity to the sea made it a fishing enclave, and it still preserves its characteristic houses of one or two stories, with charming terraces, façades with Mallorcan shutters, and, in some cases, small gardens. These features transport us to a not-so-distant past, maintaining the traditional character of a neighborhood of low houses and serene streets.

The heart of the neighborhood originates from the settlement of “El Jonquet,” whose name evokes a reed-filled area that once flourished due to its closeness to the coast. This original hub became home to fishermen and other maritime trades, such as rope makers, as well as related activities like milling. The emblematic windmills of “El Jonquet” and those on Industria Street stand as living testimonies to this era.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Santa Catalina experienced an architectural boom, incorporating modernist buildings, among which the “Mar y Tierra” Theater still stands out.

Today, the neighborhood beautifully blends history and modernity, featuring a 19th-century parish church, the Immaculate Conception (also known as San Magín), along with a full range of services for daily life. From health centers and schools to banks, cozy restaurants, neighborhood bars, and trendy pubs, Santa Catalina is a vibrant reflection of Palma’s past and present.