The Military Museum of San Carlos Castillo

Normally people tend to be quite reluctant to military museums. Especially because the word evokes military retired officers, veterans or something like toy soldiers collectors.

Now, if for once, do not go to Porto Pi shopping center, but rather in the opposite direction over the harbor, West Dock, arrive at the Military Museum of Palma. Just follow the road, pass the old cannon, and we are. Two guns of the nineteenth century marked the big inning. In the alley will have to go through the guard room. Press our faces against the window of the door. And then, we find a switch. The visitor is greeted by five soldiers on duty in the guard room. The mannequins wear the uniform of the volunteer corps de Palma, fought against Napoleon at the beginning of the nineteenth century. We left five silent duties alone, and talked with the soldier on duty on the layout of the exhibition.

Within the ramparts, nine halls are grouped around the courtyard which is paved with large stones. The midday sun shines on the square where the acts occurred in the past. Today, portfolio? To, you can hear the laughter out of the open window of the office of address. A chat between administrative officers, cleaners and craftsmen.

Change the heat of the courtyard by the pleasant freshness of the first corridor. That's where the collection Llorente, one of the private collections of Spain's most important weapons. Has weapons in Europe? Africa, Asia and Oceania, but not all were used to defend ideas, some are weapons rituals, ceremonies and decoration. Amazing things are on display. Knives with blades like a wave, representing snakes and other animals and prehistoric axes as bird heads. The exhibits are the masterpieces of counterfeiters, engravers, sculptors and jewelers. The grip of an Indonesian long dagger, a keris, a lion is smiling with satisfaction, the sheath is a masterpiece in red, green and gold. On the other hand, many African arms are decorated with fewer figures, but with abstract designs. Learn the difference between a sword and a sword and understand the aesthetic and technical perfection of a Japanese Katana or Takouba. Russian daggers thumping, decorated with precious stones and arrows, bows and rifles, show the spectacle of human resources and as intelligence is used to make weapons. After 330 swords, daggers, knives, swords, rapiers and 137 arrows and firearms of the 14th century to the 19th century will be glad to leave in light of the sunny square.

In other halls, there are pyramids of cannonballs, ammunition and cartridges windows, maps, flags, uniforms and technical devices for communication. The military clergy provided spiritual help, he could bless the soldiers with their mobile altar. Government gave the blessing of General Weyler in the hall 5, when the Spanish Prime Minister del Castillo sent him, he and his army, to Cuba in 1895 to free the army. But though, Valeriano Weyler and Nicolau, who was born in Mallorca in 1838, son of a German military doctor, was successful in his military enterprises, the brutal procedure against insurgents and civilians and the extent of concentration camps gave him the nickname " Butcher ". Provoked worldwide outrage and served as a pretext for the U.S. to enter the world imperialist stage, although the Spanish government officially announced his departure had behind Cuba. Weyler was deprived of his position.

But we learn nothing of this in the hall 5. The photos and documents show a man who serves his country.

Back to Palma, we are sitting in the cafe at the Grand Hotel Plaza Weyler, thinking about the general and Cuba, and wondering whether we should suggest they change the name of this place.

The exhibits are the works of counterfeiters, engravers, sculptors and jewelers.

Military Museum of San Carlos Castillo

Dam West, s / n

Tel: 971 404 145

Opening hours:

Monday to Friday 9.00-13.00

Saturday 10.00-13.00

Free admission