The monarch was spared and, on his return, decided to honour his faith by commissioning the construction of a cathedral which, in its early days, was reflected in the sea.
As is often the case with buildings of this kind, the construction of Mallorca Cathedral spanned several centuries, thus becoming a faithful account of the times, written in stone.
There are many reasons to visit the Basilica-Cathedral of Santa María de Mallorca; here are just a few of them:
Palma de Mallorca Cathedral was built in 1229 and is therefore considered a Gothic church, although its main façade was not completed until 1601 and is a fine example of the late Renaissance. History, art and the times in which it was built gradually shaped a place of worship with a character all of its own, whose architecture reflects the bustling life that surrounded it.
Covering an area of 6,600 square metres, with a layout comprising three naves and 16 chapels – almost all of which feature Baroque altarpieces – Palma de Mallorca Cathedral also boasts seven rose windows and a total of 87 windows.
The roofs of Palma de Mallorca Cathedral deserve a special mention – and are truly fascinating. From the heights of Palma Cathedral, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city. They also lead to such special places as the bell tower.
Guided or free tours of the rooftops are organised for those aged 8 and over – those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult – which also include entry to Palma de Mallorca Cathedral.
Twice a year — on 11 November and 2 February — the rose window of Palma de Mallorca Cathedral delights visitors with a beautiful spectacle of light and colour, in which the main rose window is projected onto the western façade, beneath the smaller rose window, creating the shape of an 8.
This is made possible by an optical effect that occurs in the early hours of the morning, when the 1,236 panes of glass in the rose window of Palma de Mallorca Cathedral are reflected on the wall opposite, just below its smaller counterpart.
The cathedral in Palma de Mallorca is suitable for visitors of all ages. The entrance to Mallorca Cathedral is accessible to pushchairs, and educational tours of the Cathedral-Basilica of Santa María de Mallorca are organised throughout the year.
Its gargoyles, shaped like fantastical creatures, and its vibrantly coloured stained-glass windows will spark the imagination of children, giving them an unforgettable experience. What better plan for a family staying at a hotel in Palma de Mallorca?
Miquel Barceló’s mark on Mallorca Cathedral is unmistakable. In 2007, the artist refurbished the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. Three ceramic frescoes depicting the sea, humanity and the Earth, along with several stained-glass windows and various pieces of furniture, express his unique understanding of the mystical.
And, although Miquel Barceló’s contribution to Mallorca Cathedral was not without controversy, it undoubtedly played a decisive role in enriching and expanding the living legend of La Seu.
The city has continued to grow, and the Cathedral-Basilica of Santa María de Mallorca no longer overlooks the sea. However, a majestic lake surrounded by green spaces lies at your feet, acting as a mirror and lending the surroundings a touch of fantasy.
For those staying in hotels in Mallorca this summer, taking a stroll around the area and stopping to admire the view could be the perfect way to spend your time. Palma de Mallorca and its cathedral add a touch of magic to any walking tour.
In 1912, Santiago Rusiñol dedicated a book to Mallorca entitled *La isla de la calma*. Referring to the cathedral of Mallorca from within, to its very essence, he wrote: “From the outside you’ll see the armour, but come inside and you’ll see the soul!”
Indeed, a visit to Mallorca Cathedral is a must, for when it comes to describing the aesthetic wonder it inspires in its visitors, both the cathedral’s interior and its exterior are significant.
N’Eloi, Na Bàrbara, N’Antònia, Sa Nova, Na Mitja, Na Tèrcia, Na Matines, Na Prima and Na Picarol. These are the names — in descending order of size — of the nine bells of the Cathedral Basilica of Santa María de Mallorca.
As well as having their own names, the bell towers of cathedrals in the Middle Ages also had their own specific language, which was crucial for communicating with the people when no other means of communication existed. For this reason, the Cathedral of Santa María in Palma de Mallorca was always more than just a place of worship.
The main organ of the Cathedral of Santa María in Palma de Mallorca was installed in 1477 to replace the previous one, which was a century older. It comprises four 56-note keyboards, as well as a 30-note pedalboard.
Music has always played an important role at the Cathedral Basilica of Santa María in Mallorca. This is borne out by the historical records. To ensure that this legacy is not lost, the Organ Festival has been held every season at the Mallorcan church since the year 2000.
There is no end to what Palma de Mallorca Cathedral and its interior have to offer. The Royal Chapel of the cathedral is situated at the far end of the chancel, and is a chapel in its own right. James II had it built in 1306 so that he could be buried there. The mausoleum also houses the remains of James III. Both tombs were added in 1950 by the sculptor Federico Marés.
The display of beauty that stretches from the exterior of Palma de Mallorca Cathedral to its interior is revealed layer by layer, through the unexplored layers of a masterpiece crafted by many hands across different eras.