Attractions and Places to Visit in Majorca
A beautiful capital city, Palma de Mallorca offers the perfect combination of seaside relaxation and culture. Two impressive monuments, the cathedral and the castle, give this city the prestige of other capitals in Europe.
The glorious Catedral de Mallorca (La Seo) overlooks the Old Harbor and appears from a distance as a beacon of faith. This monumental sandstone building dates to the 13th century but wasn’t completed until the 17th century. The splendid Gothic facade features sculptural decorations by Guillermo Sagrera. Visitors are awed by the interior of the cathedral with its aisled nave rising to a height of 44 meters. The massive space covers an area of 6,600 square meters. Splendid stained-glass windows including several rose windows (the largest dates from 1370) illuminate the sanctuary with an ethereal glow. Much of the interior was remodeled by famous Catalan architect Antoni Gaudí in the early 20th century.
In the Capilla Real (Royal Chapel), Gaudí’s gigantic baldachin is shaped like a crown of thorns. The Capilla de la Trinidad contains the sarcophagi of Kings Jaime II and III. From the terrace on the south side of the cathedral, tourists can enjoy a magnificent view of the bay.
The formidable 13th-century Castillo de Bellver sits on a hilltop three kilometers from the historic center of Palma de Mallorca. Once a royal stronghold, the castle’s unusual circular plan was influenced by Eastern architecture. A bridge leads into the castle’s courtyard, which is lined with Romanesque and Gothic arcades. The castle is open to the public and has a history museum and chapel.
Other attractions include the Fundación Pilar i Joan Miró in the house where the artist lived. This museum has an excellent collection of paintings, drawings, and sculptures by the Catalan artist. For those who prefer to lounge by the sea, the nearest option is near the Miro Foundation at the Cala Major. This wide sandy beach is very popular during summertime. Other beaches include the Playa de Palma and the Playa del Arenal..
