Cathedral La Seu

The Cathedral of Palma — La Seu — is one of the most impressive Gothic structures in the entire Mediterranean and Mallorca's undisputed landmark. It towers over a former Moorish fortress directly above the sea, and the first sight — whether from the plane, the harbor, or Parc de la Mar — is simply overwhelming.

Construction began in 1229 under King Jaume I after the reconquest of Mallorca from the Moors and lasted almost 400 years. The result: a 121-meter-long, 55-meter-wide church with one of the largest Gothic rose windows in the world (diameter: 13.8 m, 1,236 colored glass pieces). The window is called "the eye of the Gothic" (L'Ull del Gòtic).

Gaudí's Touch: At the beginning of the 20th century, none other than Antoni Gaudí was commissioned to redesign the interior. He worked in the cathedral from 1904 to 1914 and left his unmistakable mark: the wrought-iron canopy over the main altar with chandelier (35 lamps, surrounded by ears of wheat and grapes), the redesign of the choir stalls, and an innovative use of light. Gaudí relocated the choir, which blocked the view of the altar, creating the current open space impression.

Miquel Barceló's Chapel: In 2007, the Mallorcan artist Miquel Barceló designed the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament — a modern ceramic work depicting the miracle of the loaves and fishes. Controversial but fascinating: the entire wall seems to live organically.

Rooftop Terrace: An absolute insider tip is the terrace tour (Visita a les Terrasses). In a guided tour, you climb to the roof of the cathedral and have a 360° panoramic view over Palma, the harbor, and the sea. The tour must be booked separately (from 12 €, book online in advance!) and is limited to a few participants.