{"id":21317,"date":"2023-03-14T10:48:49","date_gmt":"2023-03-14T09:48:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/?post_type=inspiracion&p=21317"},"modified":"2023-03-14T11:27:01","modified_gmt":"2023-03-14T10:27:01","slug":"mallorca-cathedral","status":"publish","type":"inspiracion","link":"https:\/\/volare.volotea.com\/en\/cities\/majorca\/mallorca-cathedral\/","title":{"rendered":"The charm of Mallorca cathedral"},"content":{"rendered":"
The Cathedral of Santa Mar\u00eda, the Cathedral of Light, the Cathedral of the Sea, La Seu, the Cathedral of Mallorca or, as the S\u00f3ller writer Joan Pons called it, \u2018la dama de la bah\u00eda<\/em>\u2019 (the lady of the bay). These are the names for what I myself like to call the jewel in the crown of the city of Palma de Mallorca.<\/h5>\n
\"catedral<\/figure>\n

THE CATHEDRAL OF MALLORCA: ITS HISTORY<\/strong><\/strong><\/h2>\n

This iconic monument of Palma de Mallorca<\/a> dates back over 700 years, specifically to 1270<\/strong>, when its construction began, as the mosque that had stood on the same spot was gradually replaced. But did you know that it was built to keep a promise made by the king? To explain, we need to go back in time to 1229, the most important year (for many) in the history of Mallorca.<\/p>\n

James I<\/strong>, King of Aragon, was caught in a terrible storm on his way to Mayurqa (as Mallorca was known under Islamic rule) in command of a large army. Extremely devoted to the Virgin Mary, he prayed to her for his and his soldiers\u2019 survival, promising that he would build a church in her honour in thanks for their salvation. <\/p>\n

And the result of this promise isn\u2019t bad, is it?<\/p>\n

\"fachada<\/figure>\n

But do you know who was the first person responsible for starting to turn the Cathedral of Mallorca into a reality? Well, it was King James II<\/strong>, with whom I allow myself some historical licence and I like to call him \u201cel inquieto<\/em>\u201d, or \u201cthe restless one\u201d. If you want to know why, visit Alcudia, Valldemossa or Bellver Castle and all will become clear.<\/p>\n

Three hundred years of construction were to follow before the cathedral was completed in 1605<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

Another key date in the history of Mallorca Cathedral is the year 1851. An earthquake, with its epicentre between the towns of P\u00f3rtol and Santa Eugenia, caused so much damage that major restoration work was necessary.<\/p>\n

There was another major change at the beginning of the 20th<\/sup> century, but to the interior this time. This work was carried out by a Catalan architect whom you\u2019re sure to have heard of: Antoni Gaud\u00ed<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"imagen<\/figure>\n

Between 2001 and 2006, the ceramicist, sculptor and painter from the town of Felanitx, Miguel Barcel\u00f3<\/strong> (nothing to do with the brand of rum or hotels, in case you were wondering), was responsible for the mural that can be found in the Capilla del Sant\u00edsimo chapel. You\u2019ll be impressed by his painting, believe me!<\/p>\n

THE OUTSIDE OF THE CATHEDRAL OF MALLORCA<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Wait a second; it\u2019s not yet time to start your tour of the inside of the Cathedral of Palma de Mallorca. Take your time walking around the outside to admire its wonderful fa\u00e7ade<\/strong>. <\/p>\n

First take in its location. For centuries, the sea almost reached its base; the cathedral was only separated from the water by the Roman wall that still existed in the Middle Ages. The reflection of the church could be seen in the water and that\u2019s how it came by one of its names: the Cathedral of the Sea<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

\"reflejo<\/figure>\n

And talking of walls, if you look carefully, you\u2019ll see that the city had two walls. In the 17th<\/sup> century, the second one was built and today it makes a very pleasant walk, from where you can enjoy a spectacular sunset.<\/p>\n

\"puesta<\/figure>\n

Now that you\u2019re enjoying your stroll admiring the fa\u00e7ade, take a first glimpse at the \u201cojo del g\u00f3tico<\/em>\u201d (Gothic eye), as the main rose window<\/strong> is known. If it\u2019s already stunning from afar, make sure you climb the 200+ steps that will take you up to the terraces of La Seu; seeing it up close will leave you speechless.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/figure>\n

And, by the way, you can also tell me what the views are like from a height of 40 metres. Here\u2019s a little preview of the views from the terraces, 40 metres high. Admit it, I\u2019ve now convinced you to include this in your plans when you come to Palma!<\/p>\n

THE INSIDE OF THE CATHEDRAL OF MALLORCA<\/strong><\/h2>\n

What did you think of its location so close to the sea? And its fa\u00e7ade? With the views from its terraces, have I made you green with envy?<\/p>\n

Now that you\u2019ve admired the location, the fa\u00e7ade and the views from the terraces, it\u2019s time to explore the inside of the Cathedral. I love watching people\u2019s reactions when they step inside for the first time, because it\u2019s impossible to avoid a look of amazement and to stop looking upwards. It still happens to me now, and I\u2019ve been inside dozens of times to gaze at its majesty.<\/p>\n

\"catedral<\/figure>\n

And my eyes, like yours, will be drawn almost hypnotically to the main rose window. If you start to lower your gaze, your eyes will rest upon the Capilla de la Trinidad<\/strong> chapel, where the tombs of two kings of the Kingdom of Mallorca, James II and James III, lie. <\/p>\n

When you look at the altar, you are sure to wonder what the heptagonal object is. It\u2019s a work by Antoni Gaud\u00ed, considered by many to be his most impressive legacy of the restoration work undertaken.<\/p>\n

Make sure you take a moment to admire the infinite detail of the cathedral\u2019s 16 chapels and, above all, remember to visit the Capilla del Sant\u00edsimo<\/strong>, where you\u2019ll find the mural by Miguel Barcel\u00f3 that I mentioned earlier.<\/p>\n

And of course, don\u2019t miss the detail of the rose window at the Great Door, the organ, the stained-glass windows and its mechanical clock (a really intriguing sight). <\/p>\n

THE CATHEDRAL OF MALLORCA: INTERESTING FACTS<\/strong><\/h2>\n

There are so many interesting things about the Cathedral of Palma. Here are some of the most curious: <\/p>\n