The Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca: an architectural masterpiece
The huge Cathedral of Palma is the most important architectural landmark of the city and the whole island. The official name is “Catedral de Mallorca”. However, the Mallorcans simply call it by its Catalan name, La Seu, which describes its function as a bishopric that continues to this day. The inside the catedral is even more impressive than the outside and also offers fantastic views over the city and the sea. That definitely makes it worth a visit during a holiday in Mallorca.
Mallorca's landmark in the old town of Palma
Majorca's capital, Palma de Mallorca, has been the bishop's seat in Catholic Spain for over 700 years. Before that, Mallorca was Muslim for 300 years and Palma was called Medina Mayurqa. The church is located directly by the sea, at the same place where the central mosque was once located. Although the Christian king Jaume I conquered the city in 1229, construction of the Gothic cathedral did not start immediately. Instead, the mosque was consecrated to the Virgin Mary and used in the meantime as a church. Construction began only at the end of the 13th century under Jaume II and lasted over 350 years. When it was completed in 1601, La Seu was one of the largest churches in Europe.
La Seu: the cathedral in Palma de Mallorca you simply cannot miss
The catedral is 121 metres long, 40 metres wide and its nave is 44 metres high. Apart from its sheer size, treasures and undisputed beauty, the cathedral's interior is the only one of its kind in the world. The awe-inspiring building is predominantly built in Gothic style. The main façade is completely inconsistent in style yet still beautiful. La Seu has a total of three portals: in addition to the impressive main portal there are also the two side portals, the Almoina and the Mirador. The Mirador portal is located on the side facing the sea. The innumerable Gothic stained glass windows create a magical atmosphere in the interior of the main nave. The impressive rose window is one of the largest in Europe and can be viewed up close when visiting the roof terraces. The Mallorcan kings Jaume II and Jaume III are buried in the mausoleum of the Trinity Chapel.
Many architects can perfect a building
The original building in the Gothic style was a highlight of the Renaissance. But La Seu was severely damaged during an earthquake in 1851. Instead of restoring the ruined parts of the church in the original style, the architects decided to use a neo-Gothic one. With its intertwined buttresses on each side and the towering pinnacles, it is a masterful example of this style. The result is a mixture of the Gothic original and the pseudo-Gothic monumentalism of the 19th century, which inevitably has an artificial effect. Years later, famous artists and architects including Antoni Gaudí and Miquel Barceló designed various areas of La Seu.
High above the rooftops of Palma de Mallorca
Admission costs eight euros. The one-hour tours take place at fixed times and must be booked in advance, as the number of visitors is limited. It is especially advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues at this very popular sight. You can also visit the roof terraces for a surcharge of four euros. You can enjoy a magnificent view over the city and the sea from the bell tower and the passage between the two church towers. However, there are almost 300 steps to climb if you go for the roof tour and there is no lift. On hot summer days, climbing to the roof in the midday heat should be avoided. Mornings or afternoons are the ideal times for the tour.
Discover the Majestic Palma de Mallorca Cathedral
Behold the architectural marvel that is the Palma de Mallorca Cathedral, the most significant architectural landmark of the city and the entire island. Known officially as Catedral de Mallorca, the locals affectionately call it La Seu, a testament to its enduring role as a bishopric. The interior of the cathedral is even more breathtaking than its exterior, boasting stunning views of the city and the sea, making it a must-visit destination during a Mallorca holiday.
Palma de Mallorca Cathedral: A Landmark in the Old Town
For over 700 years, Palma de Mallorca, the capital of Majorca, has been the bishop’s seat in Catholic Spain. Prior to this, Mallorca was under Muslim rule for 300 years, and Palma was known as Medina Mayurqa. The cathedral sits majestically by the sea, at the same spot where the central mosque once stood. The Christian king Jaume I took over the city in 1229, but construction of the Gothic cathedral did not commence immediately. The mosque was initially consecrated to the Virgin Mary and used as a church. Construction only began at the end of the 13th century under Jaume II and took over 350 years to complete. By 1601, La Seu was one of the largest churches in Europe.
The Unmissable Palma de Mallorca Cathedral
The cathedral, with its length of 121 metres, width of 40 metres, and nave height of 44 metres, is a sight to behold. Its interior, a fusion of treasures, undisputed beauty, and unique features, is the only one of its kind in the world. The awe-inspiring building is predominantly built in Gothic style. The main facade, although inconsistent in style, is still a sight to behold. La Seu boasts of three portals: the impressive main portal, the Almoina, and the Mirador. The Mirador portal faces the sea. The Gothic stained glass windows create a magical atmosphere in the interior of the main nave. The impressive rose window, one of the largest in Europe, can be viewed up close when visiting the roof terraces. The Mallorcan kings Jaume II and Jaume III are entombed in the mausoleum of the Trinity Chapel.
Architectural Marvels of the Cathedral
The original Gothic style building was a Renaissance highlight. However, an earthquake in 1851 severely damaged La Seu. Instead of restoring the ruined parts in the original style, the architects opted for a neo-Gothic style. The result is a blend of the original Gothic and the pseudo-Gothic monumentalism of the 19th century, which inevitably has an artificial effect. Over the years, renowned artists and architects, including Antoni Gaudí and Miquel Barceló, have designed various areas of La Seu.
Enjoy Palma de Mallorca from Above
Admission to the cathedral costs eight euros. One-hour tours are available at fixed times and must be booked in advance due to visitor limitations. It’s especially advisable to book tickets in advance to avoid long queues at this popular sight. For an additional four euros, you can visit the roof terraces. From the bell tower and the passage between the two church towers, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the city and the sea. However, be prepared to climb almost 300 steps if you opt for the roof tour, as there is no lift. Avoid climbing to the roof in the midday heat during hot summer days. Mornings or afternoons are ideal times for the tour.
