Palma's 27 street shrines need protection, ARCA says
Palma, Mallorca: 27 small street shrines on city-centre facades are at the centre of a call for legal protection and restoration. On Thursday, 29 October, the Association for the Revitalisation of Historic Centres (ARCA) presents a report to Palma city councillor Mercedes Celeste. The shrines, known locally as capillitas, can be seen from public spaces.
Some are made of ceramic tiles; others are reliefs or sculptures. Some hold paintings in niches behind glass. Based on research by Bartomeu Bestard, the report gives a current photograph and address for each shrine, assesses damage and recommends what should be done. It also proposes adding two further remains of street shrines.
ARCA wants the shrines added to Palma’s heritage register. It also wants the city council to reach agreements with the building owners over maintenance or restoration. Wiring and graffiti often spoil the areas around the shrines, the association says, and it wants those surroundings improved too.
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com