The secrets of the Cathedral of Palma: an architectural jewel facing the sea

The Cathedral of Palma is one of the most interesting religious temples in the whole country, thanks to the secrets and mysteries hidden inside. La Seu, as it is known by the locals, is the most emblematic artistic heritage of the Balearic Islands and was declared a Historic-Artistic Monument.

From ROIG, we not only offer you the best car rental service in Mallorca, but we also want you to know the most beautiful corners of the island. On this occasion, we will focus on explaining you the secrets of the Cathedral of Palma, an architectural jewel located in front of the sea.

The time-defying façade: History and renovation of the cathedral

The façade of the cathedral of Mallorca has a rose window, not to be confused with the larger one, located at the back. This front rose window was not contemplated in the original design of the 14th century cathedral. However, today it is one of the main attractions of this architectural jewel.

The original facade was partially destroyed by the earthquake that hit the island in 1851 and the bishop of the time commissioned the architect Bautista Peyronet to restore it. The truth is that the artist could not restore the facade, so he rather destroyed the broken parts and rebuilt it from scratch, completely in neo-Gothic style. Of the original facade, only the portal dedicated to the Immaculate Conception remains.

The only problem the architects saw, after construction, is that the proximity to the Almudeina Palace does not allow you to have enough distance to see the entire facade at a glance. But this is not a problem if you are willing to take a good look at all the details from left to right and from top to bottom.

The cathedral is surrounded by narrow streets, so it will not be easy to find parking. However, from ROIG we suggest you hire one of our premium services: car rental with driver in Mallorca. This way, you will be able to enjoy the cathedral without having to worry about finding a parking space.

Gothic splendor and Gaudí’s innovations: A captivating interior

La Seu has been restored on several occasions, always preserving its original Gothic style. One of the most outstanding restorations is the one carried out by Antoni Gaudí, at the request of the bishop Pere Joan Campins. The famous architect spent 10 years modifying some areas of this temple, such as the choir, the altarpiece, the main altar, the presbytery, etc.

Gaudí’s last plan was to make a huge heptagonal crown topped by a sculpture of Jesus Christ crucified with the Virgin and St. John at his feet. However, the metal sculpture was never realized, as the contractor for the work did not agree with Gaudí’s revolutionary ideas. Nevertheless, you can see a life-size model of this sculpture in the same place where the original should have been.

Gaudí was not the only renowned architect to work in La Seu. The Mallorcan artist Miguel Barceló, 100 years later, refurbished the interior of the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament with a polychrome ceramic mural, which has become one of the main attractions of the cathedral.

Stained glass and the light of the Mediterranean: A play of colors and beliefs

The main rose window of the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca is also known as the Eye of the Gothic, as it has been recognized as the largest piece of the Gothic period. It is the largest rose window of all European cities and is completely glazed. It is also considered one of the largest in the history of Christianity.

This stained-glass window measures 13 meters in diameter and has almost 100 square meters of surface, formed by 1,236 crystals. It was built in 1370, although more stained-glass windows were added in the 16th century.

When you look at the rose window from inside the church and the light passes through it, you will notice that it presents a perfect Star of David formed by 24 triangles. But don’t look for this window at the end of the church, as is usually the case, it is located above the central chancel.

For only 2 days a year (February 2 and November 11) the church is illuminated in a different way. During these days, the light passes through the main rose window and its reflection is projected on the wall in front, forming a double rose window, known as the spectacle of eight.

This stained-glass window is an architectural spectacle not to be missed, so we recommend that you put it at number 1 on your list of visits around the island. In fact, you can get to the cathedral as soon as you get off the plane, with a cab in Mallorca or through the transfer service from the airport that we offer at ROIG.

El Mirador del Mar: The Cathedral and its unbreakable link with the Mediterranean Sea

During the summer it is possible to access the terraces of the Cathedral of Mallorca, to contemplate breathtaking views of the capital of Mallorca from another perspective. In addition, you will contemplate in front of you the Mediterranean and you will discover why this city has always been so linked to its sea.

To access the highest part of the church, you must book a guided tour, with which you will have access to all the places that are closed to the public, such as the bell tower and some of its rooms. You cannot miss this plan, as it is one of the best things to do in Mallorca.

Now you know the secrets of the Cathedral of Palma and you will have realized that it is an architectural jewel facing the sea. At ROIG rent a car Mallorca we want you to enjoy the island as you like, that’s why we offer you our best car rental deals in Mallorca.