Majorca’s Palma Cathedral, a visitor’s guide

The construction of Majorca’s cathedral began in the 13th century, after the conquest of the island by Jaume I, the king of Aragon, and was only completed in the 1630s.

In 1229, after Jaume I conquered Majorca, he ordered the great mosque in what was then called Medina Mayurqa to be consecrated as a site for Christian worship and for a new church to be built, using part of the site of the old mosque. The first documents relating to the building of the cathedral date from the following year when the altar stone was consecrated. It wasn’t until the reign of Jaume II, which began in 1276, that the main building work began. Some stonework from the late 13th survives in the Royal chapel, in the chapel of the Holy Trinity, created as a burial place for Majorcan monarchs.

Much of the main work on the cathedral was completed in the 15th century, including the naves, while the bell tower was completed in 1498, housing nine bells. The choir enclosure in the main nave, as well as the final columns, façade and main portal were added in the 16th centuries.

This period saw changes to the interior of the cathedral, as Baroque ornamentation became more popular, including the Corpus Christi altarpiece, the cloister and the new chapterhouse.

The earthquake of 1851 damaged the cathedral’s stonework, much of which had fallen into disrepair over the centuries, and a major restoration project began during the second half of this century. The new main façade was also added, the work of architect Juan Bautista Peyronnet.

The early 20th century saw more changes to the interior of the cathedral, with architect Antoni Gaudi adapting the building between 1904 and 1915 to open up the space for worshippers, making the chancel, bishop’s throne and Chapel of the Holy Trinity visible and revealing previously bricked up windows. The Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament was also later adapted by Mallorcan painter Miquel Barcelo.

Cathedral of Santa María de Palma

The cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Santa María de Palma, is known for its architecture, stained glass and the artists and architects who have been involved in its creation and renovation.

The interior is divided into three naves, with the largest central one stretching 20m wide, and with vast pillars reaching up to 44m high, making them some of the highest in Europe. Along the sides there are also 16 separate chapels, including the oldest part, the Royal Chapel at the end of the central nave, and the Episcopal Throne dating from 1346.

You can also see some elements added by Antoni Gaudi, including the large canopy which hangs above the altar. There’s also a museum with various artefacts, including reliquaries and gold and silver piece, in the chapter house.

In total, there are 61 stained-glass windows in La Seu, including the rose windows, giving the cathedral its nickname the ‘cathedral of light’. The cathedral is most famous for its huge east rose window. One of the largest Gothic rose windows in the world, it measures nearly 14 metres in diameter and holds 1,236 pieces of glass.

Known as the Eye of the Gothic, the 24 triangles inside the window also form a Star of David. Twice a year on February 2 and November 11, if the sun shines between 8am and 9am, the window’s position ensures that sunlight streams through the eastern window to create a reflection under the smaller western window, forming a figure 8. Other stained glass windows in the walls depict various Biblical scenes and figures.

One of the oldest parts of the cathedral, the Royal Chapel sits at the end of the central nave, and houses the marble tombs of kings Jaume II and III. Dating back to the 13th century, there have also been a string of later additions, including the wrought-iron canopy designed by Antoni Gaudi. Over the centuries, it has also been used for coronations of some Mallorcan monarchs, as well as for their funerals.

There are more than 300 sculptures in the cathedral, including several particularly notable statues on the Neo-Gothic façade, such as St Peter and St Paul, and carvings representing the Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

You can also find a 14th century angel who appears to be wearing a scarf; dating from 1320, it’s linked to a story of how the island returned to Christian hands, after a local man tied a scarf around its neck while the Moors were fleeing the city. Elsewhere, you’ll find scenes from the Last Supper on the 15th century Portal del Mirador and various gargoyles and grotesques on the roof terraces.

Between 2001 and 2007, Mallorcan artist Miquel Barcelo oversaw work on the part of the cathedral where the Capilla del Santisimo is located, including new stained glass windows and a ceramic mural depicting the miracle of the loaves and fishes from the Bible. Designed to make you feel as if you’re at the bottom of the sea, you’ll spot various fish apparently emerging from the walls. Controversial when it was unveiled, the 300 square metre mural has become one of the most famous pieces of art in the city.

One of the unusual highlights of a visit to Palma Cathedral is a chance to climb up to the roof terraces, with some fabulous views out across the city and to the sea. You also have the chance to see the cathedral’s wonderful stained glass and smaller rose window from the outside, with panels giving information on the window you’re looking at.

As you walk around the exterior, you’ll pass under some of the soaring flying buttresses, as well as getting a close look at the ornate Gothic spires and towers. The main stone spiral staircase has around 140 steps to reach the top, with no stopping points along the way, so it’s not possible for anyone with limited mobility or fitness. There’s timed entry and exit so you won’t meet anyone else coming up or going down though.

Palma cathedral is right in the heart of the old city of Palma de Mallorca, next to La Almudaina Palace and overlooking the Parc de la Mar. The imposing building is visible from across the city, so it’s hard to miss. Various buses stop close to the cathedral, including at Placa de la Reina, while the metro lines terminate at Placa de Espana, which is around a 20-minute walk (or short bus ride) from the cathedral. Buses from other destinations around the island also terminate at this square, at Estación Intermodal.

You’re asked to dress respectfully before entering the cathedral, covering shoulders and legs to at least mid-thigh, and avoiding revealing clothing or anything with messages which might be considered offensive in any way.

Caps and hats are not allowed inside, and nor are bulky bags such as large rucksacks.

No food or drink is allowed inside, although water is permitted. Your bags are unlikely to be searched, so taking food and drink inside is fine as long as you don’t consume it there.

Photography is allowed but you can’t use a tripod or stand.

The cathedral is closed to visitors on Sundays and Saturday afternoons, as well as major Christian holidays and some feast days, but open throughout the week otherwise (opening hours change during the year).

You have a timed entry slot for the cathedral, and may not be allowed to enter if you miss the entry window. Fridays can be busier as entry is free for residents of Majorca on this day.

La Seu has two entrances for visitors, one of which is only open during the summer months.

Explore Palma Cathedral for yourself on a holiday to Majorca, or see what holidays to the Balearics we have available