Ca’n Vivot is located in Carrer Can Savellà, in Palma’s old town. The building was also known as Ca’n Sureda during its time; it dates from the 14th century, but the original bodegas (cellars) are still in existence going back to the Moorish period ca. 1100. In 1690 this building was completely renovated with neighbouring houses being incorporated, such as La Gabella de la Sal d’en Catlar, originally a salt store which still has lancet arches from the 13th century. The Ca’n Vivot buildings are listed as an historic monument.

The property was owned over the centuries by a string of noble families, such as the Vizconde de Rocabertí and the Marqués de Vivot (Joan Sureda i Villalonga). The current owner is a charming lady, the Condesa Viuda de Zavellá.

The patio of this remarkable property is considered the most important one in all of Palma. As the house is a private residence and permanently lived in, visits are not permitted unless one would be invited by the widow. The patio, however, is open to guided patio tours once every year during a period of four weeks on the occasion of Corpus Cristi. But one can admire the patio’s fine architecture, its marble columns, the gallery’s arches and the impressive staircase from the street and through the iron gates, all year round. The patio tours have come to their conclusion for this year, I am afraid, but there will be more, next year.

The photos were taken in Palma de Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: July 7th, 2009. The time was 11:51:59 and 11:56:31, respectively.