Mallorca’s Cathedral is undoubtedly a real symbol of the Balearic Islands. Traditionally it also known as La Seu, name that was given to cathedrals that were built under the Crown of Aragon. Today we are going to talk about the beautiful features and the hidden mysteries of Mallorca’s Cathedral.
Main characteristics
The temple was built with a marked Levantine Gothic style with some traces of northern European influence. It measures 121 metres long and 55 meters wide. This cathedral follows typical German Gothic patterns, not the classical French ones.
Due to this reason, the floor elevation of La Seu follows the typical Levantine style, creating a large difference in height between the aisles and the central nave. The interior measures a height of 44 meters in total, with a breath-taking clerestory with a huge rosette in the centre. The shape of its structure required the use of a numerous amount of buttresses, with double arches of flying buttresses (typical of northern Europe).
The characteristic rosette is located on the central altar of the cathedral, instead at the “feet” like usually.
Curiosities
The double rosette
On February 2nd and November 11th a unique phenomenon happens inside the cathedral. It is a luminous phenomenon that coincides with the Candelaria and San Martín festivities. During those days the sunlight travels through the biggest rose window, where its reflection is projected on the front wall. In this way, for a short period of time, the reflection creates a second rose window; hence the double rosette phenomenon.
A promise
1229 was the year Mallorca’s Cathedral construction began. After surviving from a shipwreck and successfully conquering Mallorca for the Kingdom of Aragon, King Jaime I fulfilled his promise to build a temple dedicated to Santa Maria.
Gaudí and La Seu
Throughout its history, Mallorca’s Cathedral has been restored in different occasions. In 1904 world renowned Antoni Gaudí participated in one of them. In this specific reform the choir was moved, the Gothic altarpiece was eliminated, a beautiful baldachin was created and lastly the Episcopal See was incorporated.
Record rosette
As we mentioned before, the rosette in the Mallorca’s Cathedral is very unique and an icon of the cathedral. We are speaking of the largest rosette amongst Gothic cathedrals, with a diameter of 13 meters and consisting of 1,236 crystals.
Visit the terraces of Mallorca’s Cathedral!
If you are planning to visit Palma during spring or summer time, then make sure to reserve some time to visit the cathedral’s terraces. They usually open the last week of April and do not close until fall arrives. From the top you can enjoy unique views of this beautiful island.
Make sure to book your visit before going. Just click the link below:
The price is of 12 euros. On alternate Sundays the visits are free for residents in the Balearic Islands. Schedule; Monday to Friday: 10:00 h, 11:30 h, 16:00 h, 17:30 h and 19:00 h. Saturdays: 10:00 h and 11:30 h. The meeting point is the portal of the Almonia, that is, the lateral entrance. Make sure to arrive 15 minutes in advance.
Surely after reading all its features and curiosities you really feel like visiting this Balearic icon. We can assure you will fall in love with it. Book your visit and enjoy!