Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma
Illes Balears
The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, commonly known as La Seu, is a stunning Gothic Roman Catholic cathedral located in Palma, Mallorca, Spain. It stands on the seashore, adjacent to the historic city walls, positioned between the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the Episcopal Palace of Mallorca. Construction began shortly after the Christian reconquest of Mallorca in 1229 on the site of a former mosque, with work continuing into the 17th century. The cathedral is renowned for its soaring nave, which reaches a height of 44 meters, ranking it among the tallest Gothic church naves worldwide. Its rose window, nearly 14 meters in diameter, is the second-largest Gothic rose window in existence, flooding the interior with colorful light. The interior features three parallel naves without a transept, and its slender pillars are among the narrowest relative to vault size globally. Antoni GaudĂ led a significant restoration in the early 20th century, introducing innovative changes to enhance liturgical space and natural lighting, although some original decorations were altered. More recently, contemporary artist Miquel BarcelĂł added a modern ceramic apse in the Chapel of Sant Pere, blending tradition with modern art. La Seu remains Mallorca's most visited landmark, celebrated for its architectural grandeur and rich history.
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Tip: Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to enjoy the cathedral with fewer crowds and beautiful natural light through the rose window. Tickets can be purchased in advance online to avoid queues. Consider visiting during religious services for a unique spiritual atmosphere. Discounts are often available for students, seniors, and groups. Guided tours provide rich historical context and are recommended for a deeper experience.
Interesting facts
- •The cathedral's rose window is the second-largest Gothic rose window in the world, measuring almost 14 meters in diameter.
- •Its nave height of 44 meters ranks it as the eighth tallest Gothic nave worldwide.
- •The slender pillars supporting the vaults are among the narrowest in the world relative to the vault size, with a 1:12 ratio.
- •Construction spanned nearly four centuries, reflecting evolving architectural styles and historical periods.
- •Antoni GaudĂ's restoration introduced a large canopy above the altar and opened bricked-up windows to enhance natural light.
- •The cathedral is uniquely located on the seashore, directly overlooking the bay of Palma, a rare feature for Gothic cathedrals.
History
The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma was begun in 1229 after King James I of Aragon conquered Mallorca and vowed to build a grand cathedral on the site of the island's former mosque.
The earliest surviving part, the Chapel of the Holy Trinity, was completed in 1327.
Construction continued over several centuries, with the bell tower finished in 1498 and the cathedral's naves and vaults completed around the same time.
The west façade was remodeled in neo-Gothic style in the 19th century due to structural concerns.
Antoni GaudĂ's restoration work from 1903 to 1914 introduced significant interior changes, although his plans were not fully realized.
The latest major renovation by Miquel BarcelĂł between 2001 and 2006 added a contemporary artistic dimension to the historic space.
Place Guide
Rose Window (Gothic East Window)14th century
This iconic rose window spans nearly the entire width of the central nave and is the second-largest of its kind in the world. Its intricate stained glass depicts biblical scenes and floods the interior with vibrant light, especially stunning at sunrise and sunset.
Nave and Vaults14th century
The cathedral’s nave reaches 44 meters in height, making it one of the tallest Gothic naves globally. The vaults are supported by exceptionally slender pillars, which are only one-twelfth the width of the vault, an architectural marvel that enhances the feeling of verticality and lightness.
Chapel of the Holy Trinity1327
The earliest surviving part of the cathedral, completed in 1327, originally intended as a burial place for the Monarchs of Mallorca. It showcases early Gothic architectural elements and serves as a historical focal point within the cathedral.
GaudĂ’s Interior Renovation1903–1914
Antoni GaudĂ's early 20th-century restoration sought to bring the liturgy closer to the people by altering the choir stalls and screen, adding a large canopy above the altar, and reopening bricked-up windows to increase natural light. Though controversial, his work significantly influenced the cathedral’s current interior appearance.
Chapel of Sant Pere and the Holy Sacrament2001–2006
Renovated between 2001 and 2006 by artist Miquel Barceló, this chapel features modern ceramic art depicting biblical miracles in a local Mallorcan context. The apse is covered in Italian ceramic tiles, with new furnishings and stained glass designed to evoke the sea’s depths.
Contact
Phone: 971 71 31 33
