King’s Garden: S’Hort del Rei

S’Hort del Rei, which means “King’s Garden” in English, is a group of public gardens located in Palma de Mallorca, next to the Almudaina Palace. Historically, these gardens were royal property and contained a variety of fruit trees, vegetables, medicinal plants, and ornamental plants. Today, they are known for their water features and Arabic-inspired design, which reflects the influence of Hispano-Muslim gardening.

S’Hort del Rei, or the King’s Gardens, are of great historical and cultural importance to Palma. Originally the private garden of the Almudaina, today it is an important green space in the city and a living example of Palma’s local identity and architectural and urban heritage. In addition to its historical value, S’Hort del Rei is a place of rest and enjoyment for residents and tourists alike, with architectural elements of different styles and sculptures by prominent artists.

Location of the S’Hort del Rei (King’s Garden)

S’Hort del Rei is located below the walls of the Almudaina, at the foot of Palma Cathedral, right between the Parque del Mar (parc de la mar) and the beginning of the Paseo del Born. The gardens can currently be accessed from the city center by walking down through these aforementioned areas.

History of the King’s Garden (S’Hort del Rei)

The S’Hort del Rei Garden (King’s Garden) in Palma de Mallorca has a rich history dating back to the early 14th century, when it was the most important garden of the Royal Castle, owned by the Kings of Mallorca. Over the centuries, this space has undergone significant changes, including urbanization in the 19th century and remodeling in the 1960s to integrate the garden into the city. The current design, by architect Gabriel Alomar, combines elements of Andalusian, Italian Renaissance, and traditional Mallorcan gardening, creating a space that evokes the Arab heritage through fountains and groves.

Historical evolution of the Garden of S’Hort del Rei

In its early days (14th century), the garden was a restricted-access space used to grow fruit trees, flowers, vegetables, and raise some animals. It was the most important landscaped outdoor space of the Royal Castle, owned by the Kings of Mallorca.

The architect Gabriel Alomar designed the gardens, combining traditional Mallorcan elements with Andalusian and Renaissance influences. The central garden, inspired by the Jardín de la Acequia in El Generalife in Granada, is a tribute to the legacy of Al-Andalus, where water features take on a distinctive relevance, creating a refreshing and subjectively evocative atmosphere.

Today, the S’Hort del Rei or King’s Garden is a public space that connects the Royal Castle with the Paseo del Born and the Parque del Mar. It includes elements such as terraces, fountains, springs, and abundant vegetation. Walking through the gardens, we can find interesting sculptures by prominent artists, and the combination of different architectural and landscaping styles creates a peaceful and pleasant atmosphere that encourages us to relax. It is an iconic place in Palma, which has contributed significantly to shaping the city’s identity.

Artistic heritage of the S’Hort del Rei Garden

The S’Hort del Rei or King’s Garden in Palma de Mallorca houses works by prominent artists such as Llorenç Rosselló and Josep Maria Subirachs, adding artistic value to the space. Throughout the gardens, you can see sculptures such as “Es Foner” by Llorenç Rosselló, ‘Jònica’ by J. M. Subirachs, and “Nancy,” a mobile sculpture by A. Calder.

The Huerto del Rey or S’Hort del Rei garden is a site of great historical and cultural importance, being an emblematic green space in the historic center of the city. It was the most important garden of the Royal Castle of Almudaina and, after undergoing changes, it became a public promenade. With its Arabic inspiration and eclectic visual style, it is a peaceful space conducive to rest and enjoyment that you cannot exclude from your leisure itineraries in the city of Palma.

And that’s it for this brief overview of the S’Hort del Rei or King’s Garden, in Palma, Mallorca. We hope it helps.

By the way: Are you coming to Mallorca on a tourist trip? If you find it helpful, you can also check out our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island