The old rectangular cistern is covered with lush bougainvillea, goldfish play hide and seek between water lilies. Two girls leaning against the edge are taking a selfie while an elderly couple is resting on a shady bench. Jardí del Bisbe is a small urban oasis, nestled in the maze of narrow streets next to the cathedral and hidden behind an impressive archway.
Like in a fairy tale you may only find it when the gates are open. Sheltered by ancient walls, the Jardí del Bisbe is set up like a private garden in one of Palma’s old manors. The bishop’s garden grows culinary herbs, fruits and vegetables as well as flowers. Large bushes of rosemary, mint and basil here, a row of pride blue agapanthus there. Tomatoes, oranges and lemons.
There is a quiet place under a large tree in the rear end called cercis siliquastrum, tree of love. The smell of Jardí del Bisbe always reminds me of my grandmother’s garden, a childhood scent of warm earth, ripe fruit and slowly withering blossoms. If it weren’t for the cycle of nature, time would seem to stand still in the Jardí. 
Read more about Palma’s urban oases right here.
C/ de Sant Pere Nolasc, 6
07001 Palma de Mallorca
