GOTHIC SEASIDE

In a nutshell

Discover a side of Palma that's unknown to most tourists. In the medieval quarter you'll find the only seaside Gothic cathedral in the world. You'll visit Bellver Castle, where you can admire the best panoramic view of the port and bay. As a souvenir, buy a few Majorca pearls: you'd never tell they were artificial!

Main stops

• Cathedral of Santa Maria, medieval quarter
• Bellver Castle, panoramic view of the city
• Pearl shop

The programme

• It looks like a huge ship anchored by the sea, but it is the Cathedral of Santa Maria, better known as “La Seu”. Built in the Levantine Gothic style, it will amaze you with the size of its nave and the so-called “Ojo del Gótico”, the gigantic rose window made up of 1,236 colored crystals. Built between 1229 and 1601, it was renovated in the 20th century by none other than Antoni Gaudí, who added to it some elements in the modernist style.
• Right beside it is the Almudaina Royal Palace, a Muslim alcázar from 1281, later the seat of the Kingdom of Aragon and today the summer residence of the Spanish royal family.
• Climb up the hill overlooking the port to the Bellver Castle, a Gothic-style fortress built in 1300 on a circular plan and surrounded by four towers. The temptation to take panoramic photos of the city from here is irresistible.
• Take a few Majorca pearls home as a souvenir. They are artificial, but will deceive even an experienced eye. They have been produced by craftsmen on the island since the end of the 19th century.

Good to know

• On Sundays and religious festivals, the visit to the cathedral will be limited to the outside.
• The excursion may take place in the morning or afternoon.