La Seu Cathedral Majorca Travel Guide

The magnificent La Seu cathedral, overlooking the harbour, is the most emblematic building of Palma, Majorca. A magnificent structure, it's history is one Spanish history will tell for generations to come.

The building of the cathedral was begun during the reign of Jaime II (1276-1311). It was not finally completed until about 1601. In more modern times, the great Antoni Gaudi was commissioned to add a wrought-iron canopy. This took place in the early 1900s. The rest of its origins are steeped in legend.

It is said, the fleet of Jaime I, while attempting to rescue Mallorca from Moorish occupation, was caught up in a storm at sea. He prayed to the heavens for salvation, pledging to erect a temple to Santa Maria if he survived. Survive he did and after reclaiming this isle from the Moors, he set about ordaining the cathedral's construction.

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What to See Inside La Seu Cathedral in Majorca

The building's interior is immense. It has three naves, all reaching 43m (144 ft.) in height. On the far wall of the easternmost nave is the famous rose window. This magnificent piece of art work is 12m across. This make it one of the largest stain glass windows in Europe. Its structure is comprised of more than 1,200 pieces of stained glass.

The central apse contains the Chapel of the Holy Trinity. This is where the tombs of Jaime II and Jaime III can be found.

The treasury, which can be entered for a fee, is said to hold fragments of the True Cross and relics of San Sebastian, Palma's patron saint.

A small, on-site museum provides information on all of the cathedral's many other artifacts.