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Quick Information

ADDRESS

#Plaça de la Seu, s/n, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain

RECOMMENDED DURATION

4 hours

Timings

10:00–15:15

TICKETS

From $11.86

Plan your visit

Why visit the Palma Cathedral?

Palma Cathedral exterior with Gothic architecture in Palma de Mallorca, Spain.
  • Gaudi’s magic: Antoni Gaudí has had a transformative impact on the Palma Cathedral with his whimsical touches. The crown-of-thorns canopy over the altar is one of the most beautiful parts of the cathedral, second only to the famous rose window.
  • Spectacular stained glass: Do you want to know why it's called the ‘Cathedral of Light?. Now you can! The Palma Cathedral has over 61 stained-glass windows. You can also see the amazing central rose window that floods the cathedral with light and color!
  • Terrace tour: Choose a ticket with terrace access and take a tour of the cathedral’s rooftops for amazing views of Palma. You can see Palma's beautiful skyline, Parc de la Mar, and the Mediterranean Sea from the cathedral’s rooftops.
  • Magical light show: Don’t miss the twice-yearly Festival of Light held on November 11 and February 2. It’s called the Festival of Light because the rose window creates a figure of 8 with its colorful reflections—a truly magical experience!
Plan your visit to the Palma Cathedral

History of the Palma Cathedral in a nutshell

The Palma Cathedral's construction began in the 13th century and was completed in the 1630s. Built on the site of a former mosque, it was used to create this Christian site under James I in 1229. The construction of the Palma Cathedral began in 1230 under King James II.

The bell tower, housing nine bells, was completed in 1498. In the 17th and 18th centuries, Baroque elements, like altarpieces and sculptures, were added. However, by the late 18th century, the cathedral faced disrepair worsened by an 1851 earthquake. Architect Juan Bautista Peyronnet led a monumental restoration, including a whole new facade. Antoni Gaudí’s interventions between 1904 and 1915 modernized the interior and made the cathedral the architectural gem it is today.

​More about the Palma Cathedral’s history

Architecture & design of the Palma Cathedral

The Palma Cathedral is a beautiful example of Mediterranean Gothic architecture. It includes influences from various periods over its four centuries-long construction. The cathedral's design evolved through the 13th to 17th centuries, with notable features being added constantly, such as the Royal Chapel of the Holy Trinity and the bell tower, housing the biggest Eloi bell.

Reflecting the architectural trends of each era, Baroque elements were later added, and they made the interior even more beautiful with several altarpieces and sculptures.

Juan Bautista Peyronnet led major restoration projects in the 19th century, and Antoni Gaudí added several modernist interventions in the early 20th century, leading to a mix of historical and contemporary design elements that we see today.

​Palma Cathedral Architecture

Palma Cathedral highlights

Bell tower & rooftop views

Climb the cathedral's bell tower and rooftop terraces for beautiful views of Palma and its surroundings. You can see the city's skyline and the Mediterranean Sea, which makes the 200-step climb worth it! You also get the chance to learn about the nine bells: N'Eloi, Na Bàrbara, N'Antònia, Sa Nova, Na Mitja, Na Tèrcia, Na Matines, Na Prima, and Na Picarol. These are the bells' names - from the largest to the smallest!

Museum of Sacred Art of Mallorca (MASM)

Inside the museum you can see liturgical objects, sculptures, paintings, and valuable relics that provide insights into the cathedral's long history. Be sure to visit the Gothic Chapterhouse, the Baroque Chapterhouse, and the Sacristy of the Vermells for a deeper understanding of the cathedral's background.

The magnificent rose window

The rose window stands out as one of the Palma Cathedral's most remarkable features. The rose window is not just breathtaking but also impressively large. Spanning 12 meters in diameter, it's about the size of a small swimming pool! Crafted from over 1,200 pieces of stained glass, it's like putting together almost 10,000 LEGO bricks. It's also known as the ‘Gothic Eye’ because of the way it reflects light!

Palma Cathedral's organ

You cannot miss the world's most impressive organs at the Palma Cathedral. With over 4,000 pipes, this organ fills the huge halls with powerful music. The Palma Cathedral hosts regular concerts showcasing the organ's versatility and beauty. Installed in 1477, the main organ has been the heart of the cathedral's music for centuries. Don't miss the chance to hear the beautiful sound!

More about the Palma Cathedral

Festival Of Light

Attend the Festival of Light at the Palma Cathedral, which happens twice a year on February 2 and November 11. This special occasion celebrates the feast of Jesus and Saint Martís.

Sit back, relax, and watch the sunlight shining through the rose window of the cathedral, casting beautiful light on the west facade. This display of light and color is produced by 1,236 crystals!

Palma Cathedral's Festival of Light

Frequently asked questions about the Palma Cathedral

The Palma Cathedral has primarily Gothic architecture, with pointed arches and ribbed vaults. It also has elements of Catalan Modernism introduced by Antoni Gaudi such as ornamental roofs.