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Palma de Mallorca Cathedral or to call it is by its popular name La Seu is without a doubt, the most emblematic monument of Mallorca.
The tall Cathedral is right on the seafront of Palma de Mallorca overlooking the Bay of Palma with its beauty and grandeur offering a spectacular sight to all those who have the privilege of to being able to see it in person when visiting Mallorca. The Cathedral is very much is a symbol of the history of the island, since this magnificent Gothic construction encapsulates perfectly the history of Mallorca over the last eight centuries. It was during the 13th century when the construction of what is now known as the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca began. It is defined by its Levantine gothic style and its impressive rose window known as the "Gothic eye", which is in fact one of world largest rose windows.
History of the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca
The history of the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca is somewhat linked to the Mallorcan monarchy, it is considered to be the most symbolic Gothic monument in Mallorca it beginnings date back to the 13th century, with the conquest of Madina Mayurqa in 1229, James I, King of Aragon and count of Barcelona, ordered the main mosque to be consecrated to the Virgin Mary, as a place for Christian worship and at the same time the construction of a new building.
La Seu was built on the clifftop on the site of what was the Roman city of Palma, the majestic Cathedral towers over the city walls, in front lies the Parc de la mar, a space of pure harmony and amazing sea views. At the time when construction of the cathedral began, the cliff top on which it stands was surrounded by the sea which lapped the cathedral walls which meant that the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca was the only Gothic Cathedral to be reflected in the water. Today the sea is further out but the same effect has been achieved thanks to the construction of an artificial salt water lake in the Parc de Mar in front of the cathedral walls so once again the silhouette of the Cathedral is reflected in water.
Architecture and style
The Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca consists of a basilica plan comprising of a central nave flanked by aisles ending in a large apse which is divided into three different Naves. The great nave measures 43.30m high by 19.30m wide, while two side naves have a height of 29m by 10m wide. Light penetrates the interior of the Cathedral through 7 rose windows and 83 windows, which light up the interior. This effect of lights and colour turns the interior of the cathedral into an almost magical space and it is easy to understand why it is known as a "Cathedral of light".
The Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca's opening hours
If you visit the island, you mustn’t miss out on a chance to visit the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca. Here at Zafiro Hotels, we really, really, really recommend (note the insistence!) that you when you do visit the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca you go inside. We don’t want to give away too much but we can assure you that it is worth entering the Cathedral to admire from within what is already impressive from the outside. The only thing we will say is that if you go inside the Cathedral, you will understand why it is known as the "Cathedral of light". Public opening hours of La Seu:
- 1st April to 31st May / October: Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 5:15pm
- 1st June to 30th September: Monday to Friday from 10.00am to 6.15pm
- 2nd November to 31st March: Monday to Friday from 10:00am to 3:15pm
*All year round: Saturday from 10:00am to 2:15pm
A Visit to the roof terraces of the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca
Another of the attractions of the Cathedral are its roof terraces which since July 2016 have been open to the public. The views of Palma from the roof terraces of the Cathedral are simply spectacular and there are very few places on the island where you will have the opportunity to experience the sense of emotions aroused by the views of the Cathedral and its surroundings, an experience that will never be forgotten. Please note that visits are only carried out Monday to Saturday during the summer months with only groups of up to 25 people at a time. If you are interested in this extra special visit, booking is mandatory through their website. You have to be over 11years old and under 18s must be accompanied by an adult, you must be also in good health as there are 215 steps to climb!
The Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca, a visit with children
Although the terraces of the Cathedral are not an option for young children, a visit to the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca is still a perfect plan for both adults and for children. Lamps, stained glass windows and rose windows that fill this monument with colour will attract the little ones. The visit is also fully accessible to families with children and babies as it is buggy friendly. So, if you're on holiday in Mallorca with children, then a stroll along the promenade of Palma, enjoy artisan ice cream at one of the many terraces that fill the area with life and a visit the Cathedral is the perfect plan for a family day out.
