Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma (La Seu)

Overview

The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma, universally known as La Seu, is a monumental Gothic cathedral that has dominated the Bay of Palma skyline since the 13th century. Built between 1229 and 1601, it features one of the world's largest rose windows (the "Gothic Eye", 13.8 m diameter) and interior interventions by Antoni Gaudí and Miquel Barceló.

Highlights

• The Rose Window (Ull del Gòtic): At 13.8 metres across with 1,236 panes of stained glass, it is one of the largest Gothic rose windows in the world.
• Gaudí's Liturgical Reforms: Between 1904 and 1914 Antoni Gaudí rearranged the choir, added wrought-iron candelabras, and designed the suspended baldachin over the altar.
• Barceló Chapel: Artist Miquel Barceló covered the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament with a 300 m² ceramic mural depicting the miracle of the loaves and fishes (completed 2007).

History

King James I of Aragon vowed to build the cathedral after surviving a violent storm during the 1229 conquest of Mallorca. Construction began on the site of the former great mosque. The building took nearly four centuries to complete and was further modified in the early 20th century by Gaudí.

Visitor Tips

• Best light: Visit at 8 am in February or November when the sun projects the rose window's colours directly onto the opposite wall — the so-called "Festival of Light".
• Rooftop tours: Book separately for panoramic bay views from the terraces.
• Duration: 1–1.5 hours.