Misericòrdia Gardens in Palma: The Old Town's Green Heart Returns

Shortly after the reopening: a green refuge in Palma's old town

Around 9:30 this morning I stood again in the gardens on Carrer de la Misericòrdia — and immediately noticed the soft rustle of leaves, the hum of a scooter engine in the distance and the occasional chime coming from near the cathedral. After about half a year of construction work, this small green heart of the old town has been recovered for the public. It feels as if the city opened a window through which fresh air can now flow into the stone-clad narrowness.

What has changed — without much fuss

The paths now meander in a friendly way through beds of rosemary, lavender and a few old olive trees. Low hedges now structure smaller seating islands — ideal for conversations, but also for someone who wants to read alone on a bench. The electrical infrastructure has been completely renewed: lamps, sockets and connections have been visibly modernised. Today I saw a technician checking the last lights; he said that in the evenings the trees will create a little stage of their own. Not a flashy event design, but a consideration for the place.

The Ficus is back — and it is more than a photo motif

The most striking detail is the large Ficus, whose far-reaching crown of about 35 metres in diameter had long been cordoned off. Now it is accessible again: shade, a touch of majesty, and a place where children play, older people chat and young couples take photos. The tree is not only photogenic, it is a climatic ally in hot summers — a natural sunshade that becomes more important than ever as temperatures rise.

Important for visitors: The gardens are open daily but close temporarily in case of storms or extreme heat. That sounds reasonable: after the hot summers of recent years, protection from overheating is no small matter. Barrier-free paths and information signs make access easier; the main entrance via the Plaça and the side entrance on the Carrer are usable as usual.

More space for neighbourhood and culture

The new electrics are not just a comfort upgrade: they make the space more attractive for small concerts, readings and neighbourhood gatherings. A neighbour told me he is looking forward to small Sunday performances, another couple hopes for quiet mornings with coffee amid the scent of lavender. It is nice to see that the place was not only paved, but thought through — room for culture without being intrusive.

On my way out I saw the first posters for upcoming events, and a group of older women sat together exchanging news. The atmosphere is local, calm and warm — just how a city garden should be. And yes: the evening lighting will bathe this place in a different light; that feels like a reconciliation after months of noise and closures.

A contribution to the urban climate and biodiversity

More greenery in the city centre also means: more cooling surfaces, more nesting places for birds and more scents — lavender attracts bees, rosemary brings butterflies. Such small islands are important building blocks to ensure Palma remains not only beautiful for visitors but also for those who live here. The discreetly chosen plants seem to draw on the local palette — no exotic kitsch, but Mediterranean familiarity.

Practical tip: Come in the late afternoon when the shadows grow longer and the lavender gives off a stronger scent. Please be considerate: photography is allowed, but avoid loud groups and selfie marathons in front of the Ficus. It is a place to breathe, not a stage for show.

Overall, the reopening feels like good news for the neighbourhood: a slice of everyday life that has been returned. Anyone living in or walking through Palma's old town will quickly notice: small, well-made green spaces can greatly improve urban life. The Misericòrdia Gardens are not a large park, but they are once again exactly what they should be — a quiet, green stop in the middle of the old town.