Still haven't discovered the "Cathedral of Light?" By booking these tickets to the Palma Cathedral, you can explore one of the most important symbols in the capital of Mallorca. It also includes access to the Museum of Sacred Art!
Cathedral of Santa Maria of Palma
Known as the "Cathedral of Light," La Seu—as it's popularly called—is one of the main landmarks of the Mallorcan capital. With this ticket to Palma's cathedral, dedicated to Saint Mary, you can explore this gem of Levantine Gothic architecture at your own pace; it was built between the 13th and 17th centuries on the ruins of an ancient mosque.
Below, we'll highlight the must-see areas inside Palma's cathedral:
Rose Window
The Palma Cathedral has the world's largest Gothic rose window, which spans about 42 ft (13 m) in diameter and covers an area of nearly 1076 ft² (100 m²). Its stained-glass windows are composed of 1236 colorful cristals that fill the central nave with light.
In fact, twice a year, on February 2 and November 11, the natural phenomenon known as vuit de la Seu takes place. On these days, the morning light passes through the rose window and projects its reflection, creating a perfect "8" of light.
Gaudí Restoration in the Central Nave
Between 1904 and 1914, Antoni Gaudí, the architect of Barcelona's Sagrada Familia, led a major reform inside the Palma Cathedral. He removed the choir that blocked the central nave and widened the windows to let natural light inside and designed a spectacular baldachin over the main altar.
Capilla del Santísimo
This is one of the cathedral's most unique spaces. In 2005, the Malloquín artist Miquel Barceló transformed this place, incorporating a giant ceramic mural inspired by the miracle of bread and fish and the Mediterranean underwater world.
Panteón Real
The royal mausoleum houses the tombs of kings James II and James III, key figures in the history of the Kingdom of Mallorca.
Museo Catedralicio
Located in the chapter houses and around the cloister, the Museo Catedralicio has a large collection of sacred art, with gold and silver monstrances, medieval reliefs, and paintings that depict the island's religious history.
Museu d'Art Sacre de Mallorca
The Museo Catedralicio, located inside La Seu, is not to be confused with the MASM, the Museum of Sacred Art of Mallorca (Museu d'Art Sacre de Mallorca). This museum, which you can also visit with your ticket, is located in the Palacio Episcopal de Palma, which is in the back of the cathedral.
This museum has over 1200 artworks showcasing the evolution of art and spirituality in Mallorca from the 13th century to the 20th century. Among the most important artworks in the MASM, the following stand out:
- Retablo de San Jorge (Altarpiece of Saint George): one of the gems of Mallorcan Gothic painting
- Crocrodrile of Palma: a dissected crocodile which, according to a 17th-century legend, used to terrify children living in downtown Palma at night
- Flemish tapestries: the museum houses a magnificent series of 12 tapestries crafted in the 16th century in the workshops of Brussels that depict various biblical scenes, such as the blessing of Jacob.
- Flemish paintings: notable among these are important Renaissance panel paintings from the Valencian school, such as The Baptism of Jesus, attributed to the workshop of the master Juan de Juanes.
Opening Times
The Palma Cathedral and the Museu d'Art Sacre de Mallorca have their own schedule and opening times:
Palma Cathedral
- March to November:
- Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5:15 pm
- Saturdays from 10 am to 2:15 pm
- Sundays closed
- December to February:
- Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5:15 pm
- Saturdays from 10 am to 2:15 pm
- Sundays closed
Museu d'Art Sacre de Mallorca
- April to November:
- Monday to Friday from 10 am to 5:30 pm
- Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm
- Sundays closed
- December to March:
- Monday to Friday from 10 am to 4 pm
- Saturdays from 10 am to 3 pm
- Sundays closed
How Does It Work?
Your ticket will only be valid for the day you choose in your reservation. On that day, you can visit both the cathedral and the museum when you want within their opening times.
Climb Up to the Terrace
If you wish to visit the upper roofs of the Seu, you can book tickets to the Palma Cathedral and its terraces + Museum of Sacred Art.
