The monarch was spared, and upon his return, he decided to honor his faith by ordering the construction of a cathedral that, 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, making it a faithful chronicle of the times, written in stone.
There are many reasons to visit the Basilica-Cathedral of Santa María de Mallorca; here are a few of them:
The cathedral in Palma de Mallorca was built in 1229, so it is considered a Gothic cathedral, although its main entrance was completed in 1601 and is in the Late Renaissance style. History, art, and the times gradually shaped this place of worship into a space with a character all its own, whose architecture reflects the bustling life that surrounded it.
With a floor area of 6,600 square meters, a layout consisting of three naves and 16 chapels—almost all of which feature Baroque altarpieces—the cathedral in Palma de Mallorca also has seven rose windows and a total of 87 windows.
The roofs of the cathedral in Palma de Mallorca deserve 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 organized for visitors ages 8 and older—those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult—and also include admission to the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca.
Twice a year—on November 11 and February 2—the rose window of Palma de Mallorca Cathedral delights visitors with a beautiful spectacle of light and color, in which the main rose window is projected onto the western facade, beneath the smaller rose window, creating the shape of an 8.
This is made possible by an optical effect that occurs in the early morning hours, when the 1,236 panes of glass in the rose window of Palma de Mallorca Cathedral are reflected on the wall across from it, just below its smaller counterpart.
The cathedral in Palma de Mallorca is open to everyone. The entrance to Mallorca Cathedral is accessible to strollers, and educational tours of the Cathedral-Basilica of Santa María de Mallorca are organized throughout the year.
Its gargoyles shaped like fantastical animals and its vibrantly colored 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 renovated 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’s 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 spreads out at your feet, acting as a mirror and lending the surroundings a touch of fantasy.
For people staying at hotels in Mallorca this summer, taking a stroll through the area and stopping to admire the scenery could be the perfect plan. Palma de Mallorca and its cathedral add a touch of magic to any walking tour.
In 1912, Santiago Rusiñol dedicated a book to Mallorca titled *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 armor, but come inside and you’ll see the soul!”
In fact, a visit to the Cathedral of Mallorca is a must, because when it comes to describing the aesthetic wonder it inspires in its visitors, both the cathedral’s interior and its exterior are important.
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.
In addition to 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 consists of four 56-note keyboards, as well as a 30-note pedal.
Music has always been important at the Cathedral Basilica of Santa María de Mallorca. This is what the annals record. To preserve this legacy, 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 located at the end of the chancel and is a chapel in its own right. James II built it in 1306 to be buried there. The remains of James III also rest in the mausoleum. Both tombs were added in 1950 by the sculptor Federico Marés.
The display of beauty that extends 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.