Can Colom

Description:

The doorway features a semicircular arch and forged iron balconies on the piano nobile. The interior courtyard took on its current form during the renovation work carried out at the end of the 18th century, combining the local tradition with the aesthetics of the French baroque, predominantly the classicist style. Especially interesting is the use of estipite pilasters, which are reddish in colour and shaped like an inverted obelisk, instead of the usual ionic columns. These pilasters have an elongated shaft and a separate, square base. The beamed ceiling and segmental arches are decorated with fine mouldings. Both the staircase handrail and the cistern situated in the inner courtyard have interesting forged iron elements.

History:

The valuation conducted in the year 1576, which valued the house at 1,100 Mallorcan pounds, gives proof of the ownership by monsignor Pere-Ramon Zaforteza. During the 17th century, the house passed to the Fontirroig family and remained their property until the 19th century when the house was purchased by the Crespí de Garau family, whose members were reputable notaries. Archduke Luis Salvador called it Can Garau, commenting on its architecture "with squared, elongated marble columns that broaden from the base up to the capital". At the end of the 19th century, the house was inherited by doctor Jordi Andreu Crespí de Garau, and thus became known as Cal Doctor Andreu. In the year 1933, it was purchased by the poet and Lullist from Sóller, Guillem Colom y Ferrà, who made it his main residence.

References:

- Habsburg-Lorena: La ciudad de Palma (The City of Palma), 73-74

- Gambús-Massanet, 1987, 36

- Murray-Pascual, 1999, p. 29-30

- Pascual-Llabrés, 2001, p. 105

- Patis de Palma (Inner Courtyards of Palma): Ajuntament de Palma-Baltar & Associats, 2002, p. 77

- Catàleg Ajuntament de Palma (Catalogue of the Town Council of Palma), 2005.