Palma de Mallorca tourist information - History, art and monuments - Balearic isles, Spain

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MAJORCA Information: PALMA DE MALLORCA

Among the kingdoms of Spain, the island's capital has always been a unique entity.
The importance of its architecture is demonstrated above all by the Cathedral. It stands on the site of a former mosque, which left its mark on the orientation and structure of the square tower. Begun at the beginning of the fourteenth century and built almost entirely in that century (an era of plenitude in Catalan architecture), it is the most ambitious work of the eastern kingdoms. Its size never fails to impress. The stone used to build it came from the limestone quarry of Santanyi, and its tone of colour alters as the light of the day changes.

The cathedral has three aisles, plus two side naves nestled under the buttresses. The architects
main concern was to build the highest church in the Aragonese kingdoms. This obsession forced them to modify the initial plans halfway through to raise the central aisle, measuring 44 metres. The result was that a large part of the vaults had to be rebuilt in the eighteenth century. This vertical dimension is increased when contemplating the difference in height between the chevet and the rest of the building. The interior seems to go one further, due to the height of the side naves and the slender pillars. If height is an obsession, width is also in evidence.

The central aisle, which is double the width of the side naves, is said to be the largest in Gothic architecture. Seven rose windows increase the sense of space; the largest, in the head wall of the central aisle, measuring seven metres across, illuminates the high altar. These proportions require short stretches in the central aisle, hence the proximity of the buttresses. The stained glass windows date from the sixteenth century. The sculptures on the Renaissance main front (1592-1601) are devoted to the Immaculate Conception, and are surrounded by liturgical symbols. In sculptural terms, the most interesting front is probably the fifteenth-century Portal del Mirador. It is presided over by the image of Father God, with a background of geometric patterns and interconnecting arches. The Last Supper and the Glory of the Lord complete the portal's evangelical message and decoration. The mullion is occupied by the Virgin Mary. Gaudf worked on the interior of the cathedral, moving the choir from halfway up the centre nave to the high chapel, and building a wrought iron canopy over the high altarpiece, with a large lamp and colourful crucifix. Castillo de Bellver. Located on high, this castle dominates the whole of the Palma bay and a large part of the island. The name, belvedere or beautiful view, is due to the view from the towers. It is one of the best conserved medieval buildings. Begun at the beginning of the fourteenth century and completed around 1314, the speed of its construction lends great unity to its style. It is a round castle, with three semicircular towers attached.

There is also a circular tower separated from the rest of the building. The most striking aspects of the building work are the elegance of lines and the solidity inherent to its fortress status. Parts of the walls are built into the slope. The castle is organised around the courtyard, which had two storeys, the first of which had a series of mullion windows. The line of exterior walls, added some time after the initial construction, shows the concern for security. It was used as a residence by the monarchs of Majorca, as a prison for the nobility, and now houses the Municipal History Museum.

The Lonja. Located by the sea, as its functions required, the lonja or market exchange was built by Guillem Sagrera between 1426 and 1447, and is an imitation of the lonja in Barcelona. It has a rectangular layout, with octagonal towers replete with battlements in the corners, and a classical appearance due to the abundance of smooth walls of well cut stone and the fine balance between horizontal and vertical elements. The building's elegance is increased by the arches in the upper gallery. The Palau de l'Almudaina has been used as a royal palace and by governors. It was reformed in the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. It is made up of the Palau Reial, the Palau de la Reina and the Capella Reial de Santa Ana. The front, with its arches over the Palau Reial, is one of the most characteristic facades in Majorca. The Hort del Rei has been improved with the addition of traditional Arab gardens, and with sculptures by artists such as Miro, Subirachs, Llorenc and Rosello. Sant Francesc church. Located in the square of the same name, it is a 'mendicant' type of church, which has played such an important role in Spanish architecture, with a single nave and side chapels. The chevet has seven chapels, two of which date from the fourteenth century. The church front has plateresque and Baroque elements, and a very fine rose window. The tomb (an alabaster urn) of Ramon Lluc is kept in the church. The trapezoid cloister from the early fourteenth century, with a light structure, continual base, fine columns, and pointed and trefoil arches, represents one of the major achievements of Gothic architecture on the island.

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