Gothic in Mallorca

The Catalan Gothic shapes Palma and all of Mallorca more than any other architectural style. It differs from French Gothic with wider, lower naves, fewer buttresses, and larger wall surfaces — an adaptation to the Mediterranean climate and light.

La Seu — The Cathedral of Palma

The largest building in Mallorca and one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Europe. Begun in 1300 by Jaume II on the foundations of a mosque, completed only in 1601. Numbers that impress: 44 meters in height in the main nave (higher than Notre-Dame), 121 meters in length, a rosette of 13.8 meters in diameter with 1,236 glass stones. Twice a year — around February 2nd and November 11th — the rising sun projects the rosette as a light spectacle on the opposite interior wall: the famous "Festa de la Llum" (Festival of Light). Antoni Gaudi worked on the interior from 1904 to 1914 — his floating canopy over the altar is an early testament to his organic style. The artist Miquel Barcelo designed the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament in 2007 — a ceramic landscape depicting an underwater world and the multiplication of bread. Controversial but fascinating.

Llotja de Palma

The former maritime trade exchange (1420–1452) is a masterpiece of Catalan late Gothic. Designed by Guillem Sagrera (who also worked on Castel Nuovo in Naples), the single large hall impresses with its six twisted columns that rise like palm trunks to the ceiling and support the ribbed vault. Today, the Llotja is used for temporary exhibitions — admission is free, and the building alone is worth the visit.

Castell de Bellver

Europe's only circular Gothic castle — built for Jaume II from 1300 to 1311 on a hill west of Palma. The circular layout with a round courtyard and three round towers plus a freestanding keep (connected by an arch bridge) is architecturally unique. The view from the terrace — 360 degrees over Palma, the harbor, and the bay — is breathtaking. Inside, the Castell houses the city museum with Roman sculptures from Pollentia.