The Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma is a Gothic Roman Catholic church located in Palma, Majorca, Spain. King James I of Aragon began construction in 1229 after conquering the island. He chose the site of a former Arab mosque to mark the beginning of Christian rule.
The cathedral is 121 metres long and 55 metres wide. Its central nave rises to 44 metres in height. Although the design follows the Catalan Gothic style, it also features Northern European architectural influences.
Construction continued for centuries and was completed in 1601. As a result, the cathedral reflects various styles shaped by evolving artistic and cultural trends.
It stands on the site of an ancient Roman citadel, positioned between the Royal Palace of La Almudaina and the episcopal palace. From this elevated spot, the cathedral overlooks both the Parc de la Mar and the Mediterranean Sea.
In 1901, a major restoration project began to preserve its structure. Fifty years later, Antoni Gaudí joined the effort and introduced several artistic changes.
For example, Gaudí moved the choir stalls closer to the altar to improve both acoustics and visibility. He also designed a dramatic canopy to enhance the visual focus of the altar area.
However, Gaudí left the project in 1914 due to a disagreement with the contractor. Consequently, the remaining plans were abandoned, and the project ended soon after.
Despite this, his influence remains visible inside the cathedral. In fact, his additions contribute a unique artistic layer to the historic space.
Today, the Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma continues to stand as a symbol of devotion, cultural legacy, and architectural brilliance.
The Cathedral of St. Mary, also known as La Seu, is well connected by air, sea, and road to the rest of Spain and Europe. Located in Palma de Mallorca, the capital of the Balearic Islands, the cathedral is a major landmark and easily accessible from different parts of the island.
Airways
The nearest airport is Palma de Mallorca Airport (PMI), located approximately 9 kilometers from the Cathedral of St. Mary. The airport operates numerous domestic and international flights, making it a convenient entry point for visitors.
Railways
The Palma Intermodal Station is the main railway hub in the city, located about 2 kilometers from the cathedral. From here, regional trains connect Palma with various towns across the island, including Inca, Manacor, and Sa Pobla.
Roadways
The Cathedral of St. Mary is well connected by local and intercity buses. The Palma central bus station is around 1.5 kilometers away, providing access to various parts of Mallorca. Taxis and car rentals are also readily available for convenient travel around the island.
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