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Palma Cathedral in Mallorca (La Seu Cathedral)
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Palma Cathedral dominates the Bay of Palma, its Gothic Towers are an amazing site whether you are approaching from the east, west or the sea. The Cathedral, known as "La Seo", is built on the site of an Arab mosque.
The story behind the construction of the Cathedral is that in 1229 Jaime I was returning to Mallorca with his troops in order to recapture the island.
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On the way they ran into a terrible storm, fearing for the lives of himself and his troops Jaime I vowed to build a church in honour of the Virgin Mary if they survived. He never saw the final edifice. Although he laid the foundation stone in 1229, construction continued until 1601, with further alterations continuing until 1904!
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© Copyright 2005-2008 AroundMallorca.com | All Rights Reserved
The Cathedral is made from gold limestone from the local quarries of Santanyi. It is built in the French Gothic style and is 121m long by 55m wide. The imposing Bell Tower houses 9 bells, the most famous of which is "N'Eloi", 2m in diameter with a weight of 5,700 kg.
Key to Chapels:
- St.Peter.
- St. Antonius of Padua.
- The Chapel of the Crowned Holy Virgin.
- St. Martin of Tours.
- St. Bernard.
- Chapel of the Holy Virgin of the Steps.
- Chapel of the Sacred Heart.
- St. Benedikt.
- Baptistry.
- All Souls Chapel.
- Chapel of the Immaculate Conception.
- St. Sebastian.
- St. Joseph.
- All Saints Chapel.
- Chapel of the Virgin of Charity.
- Chapel of Christ's Descent from the Cross.
- St. Hieronimus.
- Corpus Christi Chapel.
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© Copyright 2005-2008 AroundMallorca.com | All Rights Reserved
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The main façade, overlooking the Alluding Palace, was destroyed in an earthquake in 1851. The Renaissance door, the (A) Portal Mayor, survived.
On arrival at the Cathedral, the most striking feature is the (B) Mirada Portal, a Spanish Gothic masterpiece put together in the period 1389 - 1401. Statues of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, by Guillermo Sagrera, flank the door, with additional work by such artists as Juan de Valenciennes (the Last Supper) and Pedro de Moret (Virgin with Child).
Entry is through (D) Casa de l'Almoina (Alms House 1529) and the (C) Puerta de l'Almoina (1498), which is opened only during church services.
The Treasury and Museum are found in the area (E) the Sakrista de Vermells (Sacristy), leading to (F) the Campanario (Bell Tower) and (G) the Salas Capitulares (15th Century Chapter Houses) then (H) the Claustro (Cloister). Here you can find gold and silver sacred shrines alongside Gothi sculptures and paintings. Also of interest is a travel altar belonging to Jaime I with historical registers and a chronicle of his conquest of Mallorca. An extremely large gold-plated silver monstrance is on display and two large 18th Century Baroque silver candelabras, weighing 250 kg each, by Juan Matons.
Inside the three nave Cathedral, the interior rests on tall slender pillars, over 40m high, with 18 chapels in the side naves. The oldest part of the church is the choir area, a magnificent sight with 110 walnut choir stalls.
The (J) Capilla Real (Royal Chapel) is 25m long and 16m wide, a church within a church. Here is the main altar, consecrated in 1346, and canopy - a wrought iron chandelier made by Antoni Guadi in 1904. Over the Capilla Real is the 14th Century Rose Window, which is one of the worlds largest Gothic Church windows, at over 2.55m.
Behind here is (K) the Capilla Trinitad (Chapel of the Holy Trinity) where the mummified body of Jaime II is kept, alongside the 1948 tomb, by Federico Mares, holding the ashes of Jaime III. Bishop Antonio Gallina (1375) and Clement VIII also rest here. Gil Sanchez Muñoz, once Bishop of Palma, is buried here. His last wish was that his hat be hung over his tomb - and that can still be seen today!
for contact details for Palma cathedral click here
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© Copyright 2005-2008 AroundMallorca.com | All Rights Reserved
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