Visiting the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma
If there is one building that truly earns its superlatives, it is the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma. It is not just the largest religious structure on the island, measuring 109 m in length. It is the second largest in Spain, trailing only the cathedral in Seville. As one of the most celebrated monuments in the Mediterranean, construction began in the 13th century following a vow made by King Jaime I. Today, it dominates the center of Palma with its sheer scale and the significant works of art housed within.
A colossal and majestic structure
You can see it from anywhere along the bay. Rising above the medieval city walls and the sea, right next to the Almudaina (the Royal Palace), the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma is an immediate showstopper. It is a massive stone structure defined by dizzying Gothic lines. It has undergone numerous restorations since construction began in 1229 and concluded in 1630. This architectural feat features records that are hard to grasp. Its rose window is the largest of its kind in the world, featuring 1,236 pieces of glass forming a 13 m star. You will also find a fortified bell tower housing nine bells, an ornate mirador door, and a nave standing 44 m high. Everywhere you look, the detail is striking. While the exterior is sculptural, the interior provides the same level of wonder. Seven rose windows and eighty-three stained-glass panels manipulate light and space. You will find a sumptuous baldachin, a sculptural ensemble, and a ceramic wall designed by Gaudi in 1904. Dozens of wrought-iron candelabras frame the columns, and the side chapels house royal tombs. The entire space spans 6,600 m² of floor area. You can even access the terraces for a moment of quiet and a view that is as impressive as the architecture itself.
The Cathedral of Mallorca is worth a visit during a stay in Palma. I visited it while visiting an uncle who lives there. Well located facing the sea, the area is pleasant. It is very imposing and intricate on the inside. Its Gothic architecture is well crafted, with some modern additions like the interventions by Gaudi inside. The light enters beautifully thanks to the stained glass windows, especially the large rose window.