17 August, 2014

Three of the best Palma de Mallorca’s churches

When you think of Mallorca, golden stretches of sand, leisurely days spent by the pool and lively clubs and bars partying until dawn might dominate your thoughts.

Despite its associations with lazy days and hectic nights, Mallorca’s churches are second to none. In fact there is a large amount of cathedrals, churches and other religious buildings waiting to be discovered on the historic island of Mallorca, particularly in Mallorca’s capital city, Palma de Mallorca.

We’ve pinpointed three of the best Palma de Mallorca’s churches, all magnificent and ‘must see’ religious buildings in Palma.

Cathedral of Santa Maria, Palma de Mallorca

This huge Gothic cathedral can be found in the town of Palma and really is a sight for sore eyes. The construction of the towering sandstone Cathedral of Santa Maria began in the early 13th century and wasn’t complete until 1601.

Palma’s cathedral is one of the most spectacular Gothic buildings in the whole of Spain. Propelled loftily into the air high above Palma, the cathedral is particularly stunning at night-time, when its lights and sandstone exterior contrast starkly to the night sky.

Basilica de Sant Francesc, Palma de Mallorca

When you gaze up at the decorative façade intricately detailed with a Baroque-style gateway you can engage an appreciation that this awe-inspiring church took almost a whole century to complete.

The 13th century church had to be remodelled after it was struck by a bolt of lightning in the 17th century. From when you enter the church through pretty Gothic clusters surrounded by orange and lemon trees to gazing at the tomb of Ramon Llull, a Catalan mystic who was stoned to death after attempting to convert Muslims in Tunisia, every inch of this huge sandstone structure is quintessentially Mallorcan and historically absorbing.

Santa Eulalia Church, Palma de Mallorca

The Santa Eulalia Inglesia was built in the years following Jaume I’s conquest of the island in the 12th century and is one of the oldest churches on Mallorca.

Situated in the square of Santa Eulalia this inspiring Gothic church is naturally the subject of many photograph taken in Palma de Mallorca.

Sitting under some shade in one of the atmospheric bars and cafes that line this historical square taking in this beautiful work of art has to be one of the simplest pleasures you can find on Mallorca.