Palma de Mallorca Cathedral - Info, tips & highlights | Sightseeing Mallorca

Last update May 31, 2025

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Palma Cathedral is the most important and recognisable landmark in Mallorca. History, opening times, roof terraces & insider tips for your visit.

TL;DR - Short & sweet

La Seu is a Gothic masterpiece with 44 metre high vaults
The rose window measures 12 metres - one of the largest Gothic windows
Gaudí redesigned the interior - with a floating canopy
Miquel Barceló created a monumental ceramic installation in 2007
The cathedral unites 800 years of stylistic history under one roof

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Palma Cathedral Mallorca

Außenansicht Kathedrale Palma mit Fenster

It all starts with the majestic Palma Cathedral: the amazement and the arrival. This is Mallorca. La Seu is undoubtedly the most important and defining building among the sights in Palma and at the same time the imposing gateway to the old town. Just looking at the corners of the cathedral is impressive: the building measures almost 110 metres in length and 33 metres in width.

A symbol of the Reconquista

Built on the ruins of a mosque, the cathedral marks the reconquest of Mallorca from the Moors in 1229. The building grew over the centuries - characterised by the changing architectural styles and craft traditions of the island.

The great organ (18th century) and six bells - four of which date from 1312 - still ring out today. The largest bell ('Eloi') weighs 4.5 tonnes and is Mallorca's largest moving bell.

Artistic journey through time

La Seu is a palimpsest of styles - every era has written its own story in stone, metal and colour:

Gothic elemental force (13th-16th century)

Vaults like cobwebs - yet they support 120,000 tonnes of sandstone and tower 44 metres high
Rose windows (12 m ⌀) - the "eye of the Gothic" refracts light into 1,236 pieces of coloured glass
Vertical mysticism: the height should bring believers closer to heaven

Gaudí's revolution (1904-1914)

Bronze canopy (2.5 tonnes) - seemingly weightless on invisible chains above the altar
Redesign of the choir - light, space and symbolism merged into a mystical unity
Scandal! Critics called his crooked candlesticks "blasphemy"

Barceló's modernism (2007)

Ceramic altar - 300 m² of Mallorcan clay, fired into a monumental wall installation
Biblical motif: The multiplication of the loaves - interpreted under the Mallorcan sun
Symbolism: The "dancing" fish refer to Palmesian fishing villages and Christian iconography

Architecture of the cathedral

Palma Cathedral not only impresses with its impressive size, but also with the diversity of its architectural styles. It was built over centuries and combines Gothic, Baroque and Modernist elements. Particularly noteworthy are the high Gothic windows and the imposing façade, which are Palma's landmark.

Style elements: Gothic, Baroque, Modernism
Special features: 110 metres long, 33 metres wide

Works of art by Miquel Barceló

The chancel of Palma Cathedral is home to a unique work of art by Mallorcan artist Miquel Barceló. It is a modern interpretation of biblical themes and contrasts with the Gothic architecture. Barceló's work symbolises the dialogue between tradition and modernity and attracts many art lovers every year.

Work by: Miquel Barceló
Location: Chancel of the cathedral

Gothic, Gaudí & history

When King Jaume I reconquered the island from the Moors in 1229, he vowed a cathedral to the Virgin Mary. Construction work began in the same year - on the site of the former main mosque of Madina Mayurqa.

Over four centuries, La Seu developed into a Gothic majesty: with sky-high vaults, huge buttresses and one of the largest rose windows in the world (13 metres in diameter).

In the early 20th century, Bishop Campins commissioned the young Antoni Gaudí to remodel the interior. Between 1904 and 1914, Gaudí had the choir relocated, added a floating canopy and brought more light into the room. However, his work remained unfinished - after a disagreement with the church authorities, he withdrew.

Practical information

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00-17:15, Sat 10:00-14:15, Sun closed
Admission: Adults €10, concessions €7, children under 7 free
Tickets: Online tickets are available on the official main page of the Catedral de Mallorca
How to get there: City bus 15, 25, 35 (bus stop "Catedral")

Visitor tips

Clothing: Shoulders and knees should be covered out of respect
Photos: No flash allowed - for the atmosphere in the church and to preserve the art
Best time: before 10 a.m. for fewer visitors and beautiful light
Tip: Combined ticket with Castell de Bellver

Architectural highlights

Innenansicht Kathedrale Palma mit Fenster

Fenómeno del Ocho: Magical light spectacle in February & November - when the morning light is reflected in the rose window and an "eight" is created.
Altar canopy by Antoni Gaudí: A floating masterpiece of modernism, inspired by Gothic lightness and natural forms.
Ceramic altar by Miquel Barceló: Contemporary wall design in the chapel of the Blessed Sacrament - an expressive depiction of the multiplication of the loaves under the Mallorcan sun.

What many people don't know ...

A vow after a storm: In 1229, King Jaume I was caught in a heavy storm at sea. In gratitude for his rescue, he promised to build a church - and so began the story of La Seu.
Light phenomenon "Eight": On 2 February and 11 November, the rising sun projects the pattern of the rose window onto the opposite wall - creating a perfect figure eight of light.
Hidden resting places: Numerous Mallorcan bishops rest in the crypt - a quiet place beneath the altar that is usually closed to the public.
Modern provocation: The monumental clay sculpture by Miquel Barceló in the side chapel once caused controversy - today it is considered a fascinating bridge between past and present.

FAQ about Palma Cathedral

When are the roof terraces open?

Season: April-November (depending on the weather)

Guided tour: €25 (incl. admission, from 9 years), duration: 45 min.

- Tickets: Only on site on the day of the visit

- Groups: Max. 15 people

Important: Not barrier-free - steep stairs with 217 steps!
Is there a dress code?

Requirements:

- Shoulders/knees covered (scarves available at the entrance)

- No tank tops/swimwear

Exception: Children under 6 years of age

At trade fairs: Stricter rules - visitors may have to wait outside.
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?

Optimal times:

- Early morning: Immediately after opening at 10 a.m. (especially June-September)

- Late afternoon: 1-2 hours before closing time

- To avoid: Midday (11-14) and on cruise days (usually Tue/Mi)

Tip: For the "Fenómeno del Ocho" light show (Feb/Nov), arrive before 9.30am!
Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible?

Access:

- Ramp at the side entrance (Portería de l'Almoina)

- Disabled toilet by the sacristy

- Free wheelchairs for hire (limited availability)

Restrictions:

- No access to terraces/upper floor

- Cobblestones in the inner courtyard