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 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. 

C/ de Sant Pere Nolasc, 6
07001 Palma de Mallorca