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All you need to know about Palma Cathedral
Why visit the Palma Cathedral?
- 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!
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 LightFrequently asked questions about the Palma Cathedral
What is the architectural style of 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.
How tall is the Palma Cathedral's bell tower?
The bell tower of the Palma Cathedral is approximately 44 meters. It's the same height as nine and a half double-decker buses stacked on top of the other.
Can I access the bell tower and rooftop terraces?
Make sure to select a ticket with terrace access included to climb the bell tower and the rooftop terraces for panoramic views of Palma and the Mediterranean Sea.
Is the Palma Cathedral accessible to people with disabilities?
Yes, the Palma Cathedral is wheelchair-accessible and has facilities, including ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. The Museum of Sacred Art of Mallorca is also wheelchair accessible. However, the terraces are restricted for those with mobility impairments and cardiorespiratory illnesses.
Can I attend mass or religious services at the Palma Cathedral?
Yes, you can! The Palma Cathedral holds regular religious services, including Mass every Sunday, which you are welcome to attend. Check out our guide on the cathedral's Mass times here.
What is the best time to visit the Palma Cathedral to avoid crowds?
Early mornings or late afternoons are generally quieter times to visit the Palma Cathedral, especially during peak tourist seasons from May to October. The low season between January and March and November are the ideal time to visit.
Is there a dress code for visiting the Palma Cathedral?
While there isn't a strict dress code, you should cover your shoulders, torsos, and knees out of respect for the religious nature of the site.
Is parking available at the Palma Cathedral?
No, there isn't any parking available at the cathedral. However, there are several paid parking lots close by where you can park your car, and you can get more information about them here. Keep in mind that these fill up quickly, especially during the peak season. We'd strongly recommend securing a spot well before the cathedral opens to enjoy a hassle-free visit.