CATHEDRAL

The Mallorcans call it La Seu (the seat). It is the second largest religious site in Spain. Majestic, facing the sea, you can see it from the port of Palma. The construction of this Gothic cathedral, of imposing dimensions, was undertaken in 1230 by James I, on the site of the old mosque, using limestone from Santanyí. A year earlier, the king had vowed to erect a temple in honour of the Virgin if he escaped the storm he had encountered during the expedition to reconquer Mallorca. The whole building was completed in 1601, but the work continued for centuries. The last alterations (1903-1904), concerning the royal chapel, were directed by Gaudí. The main façade, rebuilt in the 19th century, is a good example of the the main façade, rebuilt in the 19th century, is a good example of the Plateresque style. The side façade, facing south, is also well known for the representation of the Last Supper on the tympanum and for the portico del Mirador, decorated with superb sculptures by the Mallorcan architect Guillem Sagrera. The façade on the city side, with the portico of the Almoina, which touches the bell tower, houses an enormous bell with a diameter of 2 m. Inside, a brightness that underlines the simplicity of its decoration allows us to discover the remarkable pulpits and the portico of the old choir, dating from the Renaissance. Finally, the portico of the chapter house, in Baroque style, and the chapel of the Holy Trinity, which contains the tombs of Jaime II and Jaime III, are worth a visit.