Crisis and tourist opportunities in Palma cloistered convents

Abstract

Cloister convents in Palma are the main remains of the historic convent city and the future is discussed in this paper. More than twenty were identified in the 17th century, being the first one founded in the 13th century. A long period of decadence and losses began during the 19th century with the crucial moment of the disen tailment of Church, coming up to present days. Despite all this, evidence of that old conventual activity can still be found thanks to female closures remaining within the old walled city. The current crisis of these convents has initiated a debate in sear ch of solutions within the framework of tourism, cultural and religious sectors. The need to overcome this crisis and to create tourist and cultural products in the historical center of Palma can be the starting point to remedy the situation of the convent s.