In the southern district of Palma de Mallorca rises the gigantic structure of La Seu Cathedral. Both its facade and the magnificent interior elicit exclamations of amazement from visitors.
La Seu Cathedral (Catalan for "bishop's seat") rises in the old town of Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic island. It is separated from the sea only by the Parc de la Mar and the Ronda Litoral highway. Visible from afar, the cathedral is one of our top 10 sights of Mallorca and one of our 10 most beautiful churches in Europe and Spain.
Sights in La Seu Cathedral
Visitors to the majestic La Seu Cathedral are promised an experience that leaves a lasting impression. The grandeur of La Seu cathedral, a colossal structure spanning 110 by 33 metres, is capable of accommodating up to 18,000 devout followers simultaneously within its hallowed walls.
The architectural marvel doesn't sport any soaring towers, a unique characteristic that sets it apart from many traditional cathedrals. The two primary towers, while not towering above the main structure, hold their own charm and historic significance. Notably, nine bells inhabit the northern bell tower, amongst which the N'Eloi stands out. This bell, with a striking two meters in diameter, has been the most renowned over the years.
Rosette windows of La Seu Cathedral
Unquestionably, the jewel in the crown of the Cathedral of Mallorca is its spectacular rose window, located over the choir section. This gem, which hails from the 14th century, is more than twelve meters in diameter and proudly holds the title of the world's biggest Gothic rosette. Complementing this grand piece, the cathedral also houses an additional five rosette windows and a collection of exquisitely designed stained glass windows. Their combined effect creates an enchanting, unique lighting environment inside the cathedral.
Portals of the Cathedral La Seu
Exploring the Architectural Grace of La Seu Cathedral in Palma de Mallorca
Gracefully standing tall amidst the historical city landscape, the La Seu Cathedral in Palma de Mallorca boasts not just one but multiple engaging entrances. The main entrance, known as the Porta Major, is located strategically on the cathedral's western front. Notably, this grand entrance remains untouched from the modifications introduced by eminent architects of the 19th and 20th centuries. Here, the profound aura of the place is further enhanced by the placement of saintly statues with the Virgin Mary prominently overseeing from above.
Quite intriguingly, despite being the primary entranceway, the Porta Major remains sealed off most of the time. As a result, the cathedral allows the visitors a distinctive entry through the northern entrance, famously referred to as the Porta de Almoina, translating to the Alms Portal. Moreover, the spectacular Porta del Mirador is a testament to the collaboration of a group of distinguished architects. This late-Gothic masterpiece is adorned with a captivating Last Supper scene along with depictions of divine saintly figures. Over the years, the Porta del Mirador provides an attractive culmination of faith, history, and architectural brilliance.
Chapels of the Cathedral La Seu
To the left of the central sacrament at La Seu Cathedral, you'll find the magnificent Capelle de Corpus Cristi. This amazing space houses a true artistic treasure - Jaume Blanquet's breathtaking Baroque period masterpiece, a remarkable altarpiece which is a must-see for art enthusiasts.
Nestled on La Seu Cathedral's eastern end is the serene chapel Trinitat. This sacred spot is the final resting place for two significant figures in Spanish history - James II, during whose rule the cathedral's construction was initiated, and his successor, James III. They lie in peace under the watchful gaze of the exquisite 14th century "Our Lady of the Cathedral" sculpture. This revered statue embodies a vibrant intersection of history, divinity, and artistry that has stood the test of time.
Church Museum in La Seu Cathedral
You'll discover an impressive array of art in the Museu de la Seu, strategically situated within the sacristy and chapter rooms of the cathedral itself. While exploring this grand edifice, you can opt to participate in a tour, which offers an in-depth look into the cathedral's rich historical background and the intricate detailing of its architectural grandeur.
History of the Cathedral La Seu
The majestic La Seu Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca, famed among many hallowed establishments worldwide, holds a profound chronicle within its walls. In 1300, the cornerstone of this grand edifice was laid by King Jaume II, initiating the construction of the cathedral. This regal gesture was King Jaume II's way of expressing his thankfulness after overcoming the Moors, cementing a significant milestone in history. Adding further intrigue to its story is the notable reality that La Seu was erected above the ruins of a previous mosque.
Centuries passed before the monumental main entrance was eventually finalized, signifying the completion of this magnificent Cathedral. The exact number of laborers who worked tirelessly on this architectural marvel remains a mystery, yet it's speculated that a conglomerate of about ten generations had their hands involved in creating this masterpiece.
Financing through donations from the population
Fulfilling the magnanimous construct of the grand La Seu Cathedral required substantial finances. An eclectic group of individuals from varied professional backgrounds contributed towards the monetary needs. Adhering to the popular belief, many equated their monetary contributions towards the cathedral to the attainment of their salvation.
This crowd-funded endeavor didn't remain confined to Palma alone. The outreach for monetary assistance branched out to nearby regions and those places that were comparatively distant. Many residents contributed not just in monetary terms, but through in-kind and food donations. These were later sold in the local markets. The collected funds were used to further the cathedral construction, marking it as an endeavor rooted in community contributions.
Change of architect - Antoni Gaudí was there
In the 19th century, parts of the cathedral were destroyed by an earthquake. The architect Juan Bautista Peyronnet then undertook reconstruction work, in the course of which he designed the Cathedral La Seu in the neo-Gothic style. Especially on the main facade he made major changes.
His work was controversial, however, and so in the 20th century the well-known architect Antoni Gaudi was commissioned to restore the cathedral's Gothic appearance. His attention was mainly focused on the interior of the structure, where, among other things, he replaced the Baroque altar with a Gothic one and moved the choir stalls from the central nave to the apse.
Gaudi said of the impressive La Seu Cathedral that it was "the greatest and most perfect success in harmony, construction and mechanics of the Gothic style."
But his efforts were not too well received either, as the church leadership considered his work too progressive. Gaudi stopped his work on the cathedral after a few years and left Palma to devote himself entirely to the famous Sagrada Familia in Barcelona.
Where to stay nearby
Staying near La Seu Cathedral in Palma de Mallorca is a delightful experience that immerses you in the heart of the city's rich history and captivating charm. The area surrounding the cathedral, known as the Old Town or "La Seu" itself, offers a wide range of accommodation options. You can find boutique hotels, charming guesthouses, and even upscale luxury properties within a stone's throw of the iconic Gothic cathedral. In fact, you can browse a variety of bed-and-breakfast options in this historical area on http://www.hotels-of-mallorca.com/en/type/bed-and-breakfasts-4/. This central location not only provides easy access to La Seu Cathedral, a masterpiece of architecture, but also places you within walking distance of Palma's vibrant culture, historic sites, shops, cafes, and restaurants. Upon deciding on the right place, book hotels at tophotels.com to secure your stay. Staying near La Seu allows you to enjoy the enchanting atmosphere of Palma de Mallorca while being surrounded by centuries of history and beauty. But if you would like more privacy and space, consider booking vacation homes in Palma de Mallorca. They provide the comfort of a home while still allowing easy accessibility to the city's historical gems.
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