Palma Cathedral
Also known as the Cathedral of Light thanks to its 59 stained-glass windows and 5 rose windows, Palma Cathedral is one of the most important religious buildings in Spain and one of the must-see places to visit in Mallorca.
Also known as the Seu, the cathedral is the most iconic building in Mallorca, an architectural building built over various centuries to become a work of art.
Constructed nearly 800 years ago in a Gothic-Mediterranean style, the Santa Maria Cathedral in Palma de Mallorca was built on the spot that was previously occupied by the old mosque on the island.
At the time of its construction, the cathedral was located near the sea. Years later, an addition to the site would later come to be occupied by the Parc del Mar, a pleasant space with an artificial lake that envelops the cathedral in a warm embrace.
What to See in the Cathedral
The Cathedral of Mallorca is a grandiose construction, it's possible to spend hours enjoying it. Once inside, you'll find one of the tallest naves of the Gothic period in Europe, a space with a height of 45 metres (147 feet) only surpassed by the nave of the Cathedral of Beauvais, in France.
Below, we've highlighted a few of the best parts to visit during your time at the Cathedral of Mallorca:
Mayor Rose Window
Known as the "Gothic Eye", the cathedral's largest rose window is almost 14 metres (45 feet) in diameter, making it the largest of its kind. These dimensions project an almost magical halo of light over the interior of the cathedral, bathing the walls of the temple in brightness and colour.
Portal de El Mirador
Found on the southern facade of the cathedral, it's formed by a doorway over 15 metres (49 feet) high. It's one of the most important architectural pieces from the Gothic period in Spain.
Bells
The Cathedral of Mallorca has a total of 9 different sized bells. As tradition has it, they all have names. One of the most famous bells is N'Eloi, with a diameter of 2 metres (6.5 feet) and weighing over 4,500 kg (9,920 lbs).
The Cathedral's Terraces
If the Cathedral of Palma surprises visitors with its majestic exterior and detailed interior, the impressive terraces on the roof will take their breath away.
The tour through the terraces of the Cathedral of Palma allows you to admire the city from the heights from different points of view, offering an unparalleled panorama.
During the tour, the guide will tell you interesting facts about the cathedral and its impressive rose window, which you'll have the chance to see from the outside and be amazed by its monumental dimensions.
It's important to bear in mind that the terraces of the Cathedral of Mallorca can only be visited between March and October, and it is necessary to book a guided tour. As this is such a popular activity and there are only a limited number of places available each day, it's important to book your visit in advance.
Every year, there are two very special days when visiting Palma Cathedral becomes a real luxury. On 2 February and 11 November the so-called "spectacle of eight" takes place, a peculiar lighting effect created when the sun's rays pass through the rose window to project their light, drawing two rose windows in the shape of an "eight".
Palma Cathedral Guided Tour
The best way to get to know the Cathedral of Mallorca is to book a guided tour in English. This way, you'll get to know the most interesting corners of the cathedral and hear fascinatin stories and legends about the temple.
Schedule
Summer hours from April to November:
Monday to Friday: 10 am to 5:15 pm.
Saturdays: 10 am to 2:15 pm.
Winter hours from December to March:
Monday to Saturday: 10 am to 3:15 pm.
Sundays: Closed.
Nearby places
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina (121 m) Arab Baths (256 m) Palma de Mallorca (514 m) Es Baluard Modern and Contemporary Art Museum (677 m) Sóller Train (1.2 km)
