Spain went through the dark ages half a millenium ago. Intolerance reigned under the name of the Inquisición from 1482. It took 25 years for the abysmal witch hunting to reach the Balearic Islands. 

500 years ago this week, Jewish people were sentenced for reasons of heresy, and burned at the stake, here, on the island of Mallorca.

In June 1508, the Tribunal del Santo Oficio de la Inquisición passed sentences for people of a faith deemed not acceptable in Spain under Fernando II. The cruel burnings at the stake happened in Palma de Mallorca and were staged outside the city walls, near the Puerta Plegadissa, where today you would find the Plaça Gomila and Tito’s nightclub.

I do not know what the Municipal mandarins of Palma’s town hall, the Consell de Mallorca or the Mallorcan Church authorities have planned in terms of commemorative acts; let’s not be surprised if there are none. 

The photo was taken in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: May 22nd, 2008. The time was 11:37:39.