Churches / Cathedrals, Palma de Mallorca

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Monuments to the Christian theme began shortly after they kicked out the Muslims. La Seu was built over a previous mosque, and construction started in 1229. It was a gradual evolution, however, in that small changes took place over the years, while the image of a mosque prevailed for a long time while operating as a Christian church. It did not get completed until 1601 in final dedication ceremony. The church is about 360 feet long and 150 feet wide. The nave has a height of 130 feet. Total are inside is around 70,000 square feet.The inside has three main aisles and separated into 24 vaulted sections. An apse was constructed in the 1300's, and it has many crypts today of martyrs and reverent persons tied to history of the church. Many designs took place, and changed over the centuries, and what was originally to be a Renaissance style ended up also being Gothic and even more modern day 19th century for some areas. Antonio Gaudi was contracted in 1904 to upgrade the cathedral and recreate a design. He spent 10 years doing so, and working on changes, but abruptly quit 10 years later over disputes with the the leaders and citizenry. Ironically the church work still has not been totally completed per the plans, as they kept changing.
Located in the middle of old town, it is on Capiscolato. Entry fee is 4 Euro and open times generally 10-4 Monday-SAturday

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The huge expansive inside is nearly overwhelming, and many nooks and crannies to see. The more renowned is the rose stained glass window, which is the largest in size in the world. On the right time of day, the light shines through to illuminate much of the inside with color.

Close to Palau Vivot, the church of Santa Eulalia, in the square with the same name is one of the oldest and more important of Palma.

Coming from the 12th century it suffered drastic changes, showing today a Neogothic facade built in the 19th century. It's a good solution for a short brake in the shade.

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Perched on a hill rising above the Bahia de Palma, the gold limestone structure of "Le Seu", Palma's Cathedral, may be considered the crowning glory of of this sun-drenched city. This imposing edifice offered me the top photo op in town. The Gothic-inspired cathedral's foundation stone was laid in 1230, and work continued on the magnificent church for 400 years. The stone foundation was laid on the site of what used to be the city's main mosque, and this symbolic gesture followed the expulsion of the Arabics who formerly ruled the island.

When entering from the Puerto L'Almoina, the vaulted arch seen above the door is heavily decorated carvings with columns, statuary, and symbology all in exquisite detail. (See photo no. 2)

The Cathedral is notable for several reasons, not the least of which is the work of venerated Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudi. In 1904, Gaudi created the canopy as a chandelier fashioned to look like "The Crown of Thorns", which is suspended above the main altar. Over the Royal Chapel is a 14th century Rose window which is said to be one of the world's largest Gothic Church windows. (See accompanying photo no. 3 - postcard).

Le Seu's Bell Tower holds no less than 9 bells, including one which is considered famous -- "N'Eloi", 2 m. in diameter and weighs 5,700 kg.

Also, Le Seu is the resting place of of Kings Jaime II and Jaime III; several bishops are interred here as well, including Gil Sanchez Munoz, a former Bishop of Palma whose last wish was that his hat be hung over his tomb ~ the hat remains there today.

Le Seu is open Monday - Friday 10:00am to 5:30pm; Saturday 10:00am to 1:30pm

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Not far from Le Seu Cathedral and located on the Placa de Cort is the "Ajuntament" or "Town Hall" building. I thought this was a beautiful building because of its perfect proportions, graceful balcony and the ornate window and door pediments. The added color of the 3 flags above the main door and the large clock known as "En Figuera" on the facade of the 3rd story just add to its interest. The Ajuntament was built between 1649 - 1680, described in tourist literature as "Baroque with Mannerist" features, was once the seat of the important personages of the Old Kingdom of Mallorca ( "Medina Mayurqa"). Today it serves as the seat of Palma's Town Council.

Although the Ajuntament faces the lovely Placa de Cort with its beautiful and ancient olive tree, the near side ( presumably part of the same building) reflect a different style of architecture which is just as beautiful but with one extraordinary addition----massive, dark wooden doors are fitted into an arched doorway with the most exquisitely designed hinges and handles. I know that sculpted bronze doors in other European towns such as Florence are quite renowned and are genuinely artisitic masterpieces; but to me these particular Mallorcan doors (click on 3rd accompanying picture for closer view) are somehow even more beautiful because of their elegance of design.

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La Seu is a Roman Catholic Cathedral located in Palma de Mallorca, Spain, was built on the site of an existing Arab mosque. The Cathedral is 121 metres long and 55 metres wide. The Cathedral, designed in the French Gothic style, was finished in 1601.

Fifty years after a restoration of the Cathedral had started, Antoni Gaudí was invited in 1901 to take over the project. While some of his ideas were adopted - moving the choir stalls from the middle nave to be closer to the altar, as well as a large canopy - Gaudí abandoned his work in 1914 after an argument with the contractor. The project was cancelled soon after.

Almudaina Palace is near to La Seu Cathedral. This was the Muslim palace of the Banu Ganiya, at the edge of the port. The building was converted into a palace at the beginning of the 14th century.

"" Fee for the Cathedral is 4 Euro ""

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Started in 1230 and finished in 1601 it's a Gothic church, with the large size usual in that style, dominating most of the views in downtown Palma.

Damaged by an earthquake in the 19th century, the reconstruction of the facade introduced mixed styles in some of its elements.

The construction of the cathedral started in 1230 by Jaime I, and was built over an Arab Mosque. Construction continued until the early 1600's. In 1851 it was damaged by an earthquake, and in 1901 Gaudi was brought in by Bishop Campins to oversee the restoration. Unfortunately, he left the project after 10 years following a disagreement, but still left his impressions throughout the cathedral. It is the resting place of both Jaime II and Jaime III. The cathedral is very impressive looking from the waterfront, but was somewhat disappointing from the inside. We enjoyed walking the surrounding area, much more then touring the cathedral.