Location: Palma Cathedral rises above the Bay of Palma on the southern edge of the old town. Its prominent location forms a striking transition between the historic centre and the waterfront promenade. Standing unobstructed beside the sea, it dominates the cityscape like few other buildings.

Significance: Palma Cathedral is the best-known landmark of Mallorca’s capital and the cathedral of the Diocese of Mallorca. Its soaring, light-filled interior makes it one of the most important examples of Gothic architecture in the Mediterranean region.

Historical Context: In 902, Mallorca became part of the Emirate of Córdoba and remained under Muslim rule until 1229. Palma was then known as Madina Mayurqa and developed into the island’s most important city. A fortified harbour, imposing city walls, a palace district and several mosques shaped its appearance. In September 1229, King James I of Aragon, later known as “the Conqueror”, landed near Santa Ponça with his army. Following the Battle of Portopí, his troops advanced towards Madina Mayurqa and laid siege to the heavily fortified city. On 31 December 1229, they captured it by force. Muslim rule in Palma came to an end, although resistance continued for some time in other parts of Mallorca. After James I died, the island passed to his son James II in 1276 and became the centre of an independent kingdom. In addition to the Balearic Islands, the kingdom included territories on the European mainland, although it remained closely connected to the Crown of Aragon. Aragon reconquered Mallorca in 1343. The deposed King James III attempted to regain the island in 1349 but was killed at the Battle of Llucmajor.

Previous Structure: The main mosque of Madina Mayurqa, the Islamic city of Palma, once stood on the site of Palma Cathedral. After the Christian conquest of Mallorca in 1229, the building was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and initially used as a church. Construction of the Gothic cathedral began on the same site in the 13th century. As the work progressed, the mosque was gradually demolished and replaced by the new building. No visible remains survive today. Studies suggest, however, that the former mosque influenced the orientation and possibly also the dimensions of Palma Cathedral.

Royal Vow: According to a well-known tradition, King James I was caught in a violent storm while sailing to Mallorca in 1229. In his distress, he is said to have promised the Virgin Mary that he would build a great church in her honour if his fleet reached the island safely and the conquest succeeded.

Construction History: The construction of Palma Cathedral spanned approximately four centuries. After the Christian conquest of Mallorca in 1229, Palma’s former main mosque was initially used as a church. Documents referring to the planned new building appeared as early as 1230. Work on the present Gothic cathedral began in the late 13th century under King James II and was largely completed in the 1630s. The lengthy construction period was due to the enormous scale of the project, the work being carried out in stages and the limited financial resources available.

Earthquake Damage: The western façade of Palma Cathedral had been structurally unstable for centuries and had gradually developed a pronounced outward lean. The earthquake of 1851 worsened the existing damage and made extensive reinforcement necessary. Architect Juan Bautista Peyronnet subsequently developed a restoration plan, which was implemented from 1854 onwards. The façade was stabilised, extensively rebuilt and redesigned in the Gothic Revival style. These alterations gave the western side of Palma Cathedral its present appearance.

Gaudí’s Redesign: Between 1903 and 1914, Antoni Gaudí redesigned the interior of Palma Cathedral on behalf of Bishop Pere Campins. He placed greater emphasis on the high altar as the focal point of worship while also improving the view of the chancel. The choir stalls, which had previously stood in the central nave, were moved to the area behind the altar. Bricked-up windows were reopened, and electric lighting was installed. These changes made the interior appear brighter and more spacious. Gaudí’s best-known contribution is the richly decorated baldachin above the high altar.

Architecture: The main nave is particularly impressive. Rising to a height of around 44 metres, it ranks among the tallest Gothic church naves in Europe. Slender pillars, large windows and massive flying buttresses give the vast interior a remarkable sense of space, brightness and lightness. The liturgical focal point is the Royal Chapel at the eastern end of the main nave. It contains the high altar, the medieval bishop’s throne and the choir stalls that Antoni Gaudí had moved there at the beginning of the 20th century.

Trinity Chapel: The Trinity Chapel stands on a raised level behind the high altar and is one of the oldest and most historically significant parts of Palma Cathedral. In 1306, King James II designated it as the burial chapel of the royal house of Mallorca and dedicated it to the Holy Trinity. Today, it contains the tombs of James II and his grandson James III. The alabaster tombs were created by the Catalan sculptor Frederic Marès in 1947.

Miquel Barceló Chapel: Between 2001 and 2006, Mallorcan artist Miquel Barceló completely redesigned the Blessed Sacrament Chapel of Palma Cathedral. The chapel houses the consecrated hosts, which represent the body of Christ in the Catholic faith. Unveiled in 2007, the installation is dominated by a ceramic relief covering approximately 300 square metres and almost the entire surface of the walls. Its rough, fractured texture evokes both a rocky cave and a mysterious underwater world. Fish, sea creatures, loaves of bread, fruit and vessels emerge from the relief. The imagery primarily refers to two biblical miracles. During the Feeding of the Five Thousand, Jesus fed a large crowd with only five loaves and two fish. Although there was very little food at the beginning, several baskets were left over at the end. The vessels refer to the Wedding at Cana. When the wine ran out, Jesus instructed that large jars be filled with water and transformed the water into wine.

Rose Window: The great main rose window is one of the most impressive features of Palma Cathedral. Measuring almost 12 metres in diameter and containing 1,115 pieces of coloured glass, it ranks among the largest Gothic rose windows in Europe. When sunlight streams through the intricately designed glass, it creates brilliant displays of colour that give the interior a particularly solemn atmosphere.

Baldachin: One of Antoni Gaudí’s most striking contributions to the interior of Palma Cathedral hangs above the high altar. The baldachin emphasises the altar as the liturgical focal point and draws the eye upwards towards the soaring Gothic vault. A seven-sided crown fitted with numerous lamps supports a fabric canopy that tilts forwards. Above it is a Crucifixion group depicting Christ on the cross, the Virgin Mary and the Apostle John. Ears of wheat and vine leaves symbolise the bread and wine of the Eucharist. The present baldachin was originally intended as a full-scale model for a permanent version. However, the final version was never completed.

Portal del Mirador: The richly decorated Portal del Mirador is located on the sea-facing southern side of Palma Cathedral. It was created between the late 14th and early 15th centuries under the direction of prominent sculptors such as Pere Morey and Guillem Sagrera. The lower section of the tympanum depicts the Last Supper. Above it, God the Father appears surrounded by six angels. The Virgin Mary and the infant Jesus stand on the central pillar, while figures of saints solemnly frame the entrance on both sides.

Bell Tower: Completed in 1498, the bell tower is one of the most distinctive medieval features of Palma Cathedral. Nine bells hang inside, each with its own name. The largest and best known is N’Eloi, which weighs approximately 4.6 metric tons. Its powerful sound is mainly heard on major religious feast days and during special ceremonial occasions.

Roof Terraces: A narrow spiral staircase with approximately 200 steps leads up to the roof terraces of Palma Cathedral. From there, visitors can view the flying buttresses, towers and other details of the Gothic architecture at close range. The terraces also offer sweeping views across the old town, the harbour and the Bay of Palma.

The Festival of Light: Twice a year, an extraordinary display of light appears inside Palma Cathedral. On 2 February and 11 November, the morning sun shines through the great rose window above the sanctuary and projects its colourful pattern onto the opposite interior wall. At around 8:30 a.m., the glowing image appears directly below the rose window in the western façade. For a few minutes, the two circles of light combine to form a horizontal figure eight. The spectacle is most clearly visible under cloudless skies.

Origin of the Name: In Mallorca, Palma Cathedral is best known as La Seu. The Catalan term roughly means “episcopal see” and refers to its role as the seat of the Bishop of Mallorca. Its official name, Catedral-Basílica de Santa Maria de Mallorca, refers instead to its dedication to the Virgin Mary.