Palma Cathedral (also known as La Seu) is the city of Palma’s most celebrated church, and a highlight in the city’s skyline. Sitting in the centre of Palma, the Gothic cathedral is central to Majorca’s history and one of the most visited attractions on the Island. Positioned at the crest of a hill, the cathedral can be seen from the close shoreline and was originally built as a defence barrier.

History of Palma Cathedral

Palma Cathedral is a lesson in the history of Majorca, with the complete building of the cathedral spanning almost 600 years and many different eras of ruling on the island. The plan to build the cathedral started in the middle of battle, with King Jaume of Aragon stating he would build a cathedral should his side land safely on the shores of Majorca. On New Year’s Day 1230, King Jaume proceeded to symbolically lay the first brick on the site of the city’s main mosque after victory, building the cathedral in honour of the Virgin Mary.

Work continued on the site for a further 400 years, with a Gothic architectural style maintained throughout. After an earthquake in 1851, building work had to be undertaken to repair the western front of the cathedral. Further work was carried out by the revered Catalan Architect, Antoni Gaudi in the 18th century also, adding prestige to the sandstone building.

What to See at Palma Cathedral

Palma Cathedral has grown to be one of Majorca’s most loved visitor attractions, with an array of things to do and see, and of course the chance to see the glorious architecture and history involved with the building. The first of the cathedral’s highlights are the three entrances and bell tower. The first door is the Portal del Mirador (lookout door) and this offers fantastic views of the bay of Palma. The west door is known as Portal Major (great door) and has impressive 60 metre trunkets, detailing the grandness of the building. On the north side of the building is a third door which extends to the bell tower, an addition to the cathedral. When the biggest of the bells was rung in 1857 it has said to have shattered the majority of the cathedral’s windows.

On the tour of the cathedral you enter through the north side, passing through a little museum which showcases artefacts of La Seu. Once inside visitors can experience the wonderful interior, which includes the impressive central nave, elements of Gothic architecture and beautiful stained glass windows. For the best view of the interior stand by the western end (Portal Major), here you will get a true representation of the size of the cathedral.

Quick Facts on Palma Cathedral

Site Information
Names:	Palma Cathedral
Dedication:	Virgin Mary
Dates:	1230 and later
Visitor and Contact Information
Coordinates:	39.567522° N, 2.648261° E
Hours:	Apr-Oct: Mon-Fri 10am-5:15pm, Sat 10am–2:15pm; Nov-Mar: Mon–Fri: 10am-6:15pm, Sat: 10am-2:15pm
Lodging:	View hotels near Palma Cathedral

Note: This information was accurate when first published and we do our best to keep it updated, but details such as opening hours and prices can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please check with the site directly before making a special trip.

More Information

• Photos of Palma Cathedral - here on Sacred Destinations