La Seu Cathedral is the emblem of the capital of Mallorca. This church stands out not only for its Mediterranean Gothic architecture but also for its unique play of light and its many myths.
In this article, I’ll tell you if it’s worth visiting and what you need to know about the Palma Cathedral.
Useful Information about the Cathedral of La Seu
La Seu Cathedral is one of the main attractions in Mallorca. Anyone visiting the city cannot miss it. Mallorca’s most popular tourist attraction draws millions of visitors each year.
Previously located directly in front of the sea, today the building is separated from the sea by the Parc de Mar, artificially created in the 1960s.
Important Information about the Palma Cathedral
- The name of Palma’s cathedral is La Seu, and it is in Catalan. The translation into Spanish is “Bishop’s Seat.”
- Often, crossword puzzles ask for “Palma’s Cathedral (2 words).” The answer is La Seu.
- The rose windows of the cathedral create beautiful displays of light at certain times.
- La Seu is an architectural masterpiece and one of Spain’s most prominent “Gothic cathedrals.”
- Visitors can explore the interiors, chapels, the museum, and even the rooftop terraces.
The Myth of the Secret Tunnels
It is said that there is a tunnel that goes from the cathedral to the Bellver Castle. There is also talk of a network of tunnels connecting the cathedral with many other places on the island.
As with many legends, there is some truth. Until the 1970s, the old main train station was right next to the cathedral. If you look around, you’ll see a blocked railway tunnel in the old city wall. This tunnel leads, for example, directly to the Plaza Mayor.
History
The construction of the cathedral began in 1229. The first stone was laid after King Jaume I of Aragon expelled the Moors from Mallorca. La Seu was built exactly on the site where a mosque once stood.
The Jew’s Ring
The legend of the “Jew’s Ring” says that a Jewish forced laborer hid his ring in the church’s foundations to cast a curse on the building. But don’t worry: The curse seems to have had no effect for almost 800 years.
However, the cathedral did not initially have the dimensions we know today. In the 14th and 19th centuries, the Palma Cathedral was expanded on several occasions. Various Baroque chapels, altars, and also the choir were added.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the cathedral was completely restored and modernized inside and out. And who better than the most important Spanish architect, Antoni Gaudí, was commissioned in 1901 to redesign the interior of the church.
Although he was only able to carry out part of his plans during his lifetime, in recent years many of his visionary projects have been realized by others. Thus, the design of the choir and the main altar are based on Gaudí’s plans.
Today, one of the main attractions is a museum that houses the largest collection of Gothic art in Spain.
Structure and Architecture of the Cathedral of La Seu
The cathedral, whose construction began in the 13th century and lasted several centuries, is considered a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and is an important cultural monument in Mallorca and Europe.
The impressive building stretches almost 110 meters long and has a width of 33 meters. With a height of 44 meters, the main nave is one of the largest of its kind in Europe.
The interior of the cathedral is dominated by high vaults, slender columns, intricate stonework, and artistic decorations. Notable features include the main altarpiece, the choir, the chapels, and the sacristy.
In addition, the choir organ is one of the deepest organs in Europe. It fascinates with its powerful sound and impressive acoustics.
The large rose window on the east facade of La Seu Cathedral is considered the tallest and most impressive Gothic rose window in Spain. This masterpiece of stained glass technique has a diameter of 12.55 meters and is composed of more than 1,200 pieces of colored glass that create a fascinating play of light. There is also a smaller rose window on the west facade. These windows, also known as “roses,” are characteristic of Gothic architecture and often symbolize heavenly light.
More legends and myths
- The cathedral that floats on the sea: This expression refers to the location of the cathedral near Palma’s coast and its imposing appearance when seen from the sea. Some say it looks as if the cathedral is truly floating or swimming in the water.
- The voices of the stones: Some claim that the stones of La Seu cathedral can “speak,” telling visitors stories and legends about the history and construction of the church.
The Cathedral of Light
The cathedral is also known as “the cathedral of light.” Various phenomena occur here. Particularly notable are the fascinating light displays that bathe the cathedral in magical light at different times of the year.
A special phenomenon is the “figure-of-eight light show,” which can be observed on February 2 and November 11. On these days, starting at 8:00 a.m., the sun’s rays pass through the large rose window on the east façade and project the exact image of the circular window onto the opposite wall, just below the rose window on the west façade. This impressive light display makes it seem as though two rose windows are perfectly superimposed, creating the shape of an eight. A truly magical moment.
Each year, this magical spectacle attracts thousands of visitors who wish to experience this moment of perfect harmony between architecture and nature.
Another spectacular light phenomenon occurs around the winter solstice, on December 21 or 22. For about 20 days, the rays of the rising sun create a kaleidoscopic play of colors that illuminates the cathedral with constantly changing, otherworldly colors.
The cathedral, often referred to as “The Eye of the Light,” is not only a place of worship but also an impressive example of how light is used in architecture to create a spiritual and aesthetic experience.
Additionally, the cathedral is impressively illuminated at night. Once it gets dark, the cathedral’s lighting is turned on and can be seen from afar.
Religious services
Mallorca is very cosmopolitan, and religious services are regularly held in different languages, attracting both locals and visitors.
Regular religious services
Weekday religious services:
- From Monday to Friday: Daily mass is held in Spanish at 9:00 AM and another at 7:00 PM.
- Weekend religious services:
- Saturday: Evening mass is celebrated at 7:00 PM in Spanish.
- Sunday: The main services are at 10:30 AM in Spanish and at 12:00 PM in Catalan. Additionally, there is a mass at 7:00 PM in Spanish.
Religious services on holidays:
On major religious holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and the Feast of Saint Mary, a variety of Masses are offered. To cater to the international community, services on these days are conducted in several languages.
- Christmas: A highlight is undoubtedly the Midnight Mass in German. It is celebrated every year on December 24th at 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM.
- During Holy Week, there are also services in German: Maundy Thursday, March 28th at 6:00 PM, Good Friday, March 29th at 6:00 PM, Holy Saturday, March 30th at 10:00 PM, and Easter Sunday, March 31st at 10:15 AM.
Opening hours, Guides Tours and admission prices
During religious services, there is no entrance fee at the cathedral. However, during these times, visiting the cathedral is not allowed either. So it’s best to avoid attending masses, as visiting La Seu is worthwhile.
Make sure to dress appropriately. It’s often asked if it’s possible to visit in summer clothes. Yes, but some rules must be followed. Do not wear shorts that are too short and footwear must be suitable. No caps or sleeveless shirts either.
Schedules
- Palma’s cathedral can be visited in the summer from Monday to Friday between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Visits to the terraces are possible until 4:30 PM. However, on Fridays, visits are only allowed until 1:30 PM.
- On Saturdays, the cathedral can be visited from 10:00 AM to 2:15 PM.
- Visits are not allowed on Sundays.
During the winter months (November to March), visiting the cathedral is only possible until 3:15 PM.
Ticket prices
The entrance fee to Palma Cathedral is:
- Adults €10.00
- Seniors €8.00
- Children up to 9 years old free
Tickets can be purchased online and directly on-site. Access to La Seu is through Plaza de la Seo at the museum entrance.
Guided tours
There are several guided tours that take place during opening hours.
- Every Monday, there is a guided tour at 11:00 AM.
- On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, a guided tour in English takes place at 11:00 AM.
- In Spanish, you can join a guided tour on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.
The guided tour costs €30.00 per person. For residents (locals), the entrance fee is reduced to €8.00, and on Fridays it’s free.
There are also guided tours of the terrace. The rooftop tour is offered in Spanish, Catalan, and English and also costs €30. Since they are usually held between 7:00 PM and 8:30 PM, there is the opportunity to enjoy a spectacular sunset.
Advice
Find out when the cruise ships arrive. Since many people will want to visit the cathedral at those times, it’s better to choose another day for your visit.
How to Get There and Parking
Parking is not allowed in the old town. Not even non-residents can drive there. But there is a parking lot right in Parc del Mar, just a few minutes from the cathedral.
Otherwise, any parking on the Avenues is convenient for a visit to the city.
Conclusion
You shouldn’t leave Palma without having visited this majestic building. It’s impressive not only from the outside but also from the inside.
My absolute highlight is the visit to the rooftop terraces. The views are spectacular.
Anyone visiting the cathedral should also take the opportunity to visit the Royal Palace, which is located directly across from it.
Points of interest near La Seu Cathedral
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