The Cathedral of Mallorca is the culminating point of Mediterranean magic. A cathedral that was born from a promise made by James I and is a reference point for art, history and spirituality.
But it is not the only jewel to visit in Palma’s old town. The area is full of historical sites, incredible views, bucolic gardens… And not only that, because in the area around La Catedral you will find all the leisure and gastronomic options you can imagine.
La Seu
That is what we call La Catedral here. La Seu de Santa Maria. It is a Historical Monument and represents the most emblematic heritage of the island. It is one of the most visited Gothic temples in the world.
The Cathedral is almost 800 years old, as its construction began in 1229 and was completed in 1601. However, it has always been open to reforms and improvements, such as the one undertaken by Antonio Gaudí in 1904.
The latest masterpiece to be added to the Cathedral is a spectacular porcelain mural by Mallorcan artist Miquel Barceló that covers 300 square metres and is inspired by the miracle of the loaves and fishes.
Its rose window is the largest in the world, with a diameter of 13 metres. You can enjoy the luxury of getting close to it if you take advantage of the occasions when the terraces of Palma Cathedral are open to the public. You can visit areas such as the bell tower and its adjacent rooms.
Visiting La Almudaina
The Almudaina Royal Palace is located just opposite the Cathedral. It was built in the early 19th century for James II and was for years the official residence of the Spanish royal family.
You can visit it free of charge for two days a week and you will get a great impression of the Hall of Kings, with the portraits of the monarchs or the Hall of Chimneys.
Every last Saturday of the month you can attend the changing of the guard of honour performed by soldiers based in Mallorca. They are dressed in classic uniforms of the Spanish infantry of Carlos III.
Visiting the Arab Baths
Behind the Cathedral there are public Arab baths dating back to the 11th century, which are in an enviable state of preservation. Mallorca had an excellent hydraulic system for the creation of these baths.
After visiting the steam rooms or the chimney rooms, you will go out into the garden; a peaceful space full of vegetation from where, sitting on a bench, you can enjoy the external view of this jewel of Islamic architecture.
Strolling through the Parc de la Mar
The Parc de la Mar is a park located at the foot of the Cathedral and surrounded by the medieval walls that for centuries protected the island. It was built during the 1970s and its main attraction is a large saltwater lake.
The park hosts many events such as open-air cinema, music festivals, craft beer fairs and the classic water pistol war. At the end of the park you will find huge gardens and many playgrounds.
Walking in the area of La Lonja
The district of La Lonja is located in the old town of Palma, five minutes away from the Cathedral and is one of the busiest spots in the Mallorcan nightlife. A crossroads of beautiful streets full of art galleries, cafés and cocktail bars.
This area takes its name from the La Lonja building, a marvel of Balearic Gothic architecture built in the early 15th century by the architect Guillem Sagrera. Decades ago it was the Colegio de Mercaderes (Merchants’ College) and nowadays its courtyard houses various art exhibitions.
Enjoying gastronomy
In the vicinity of La Catedral you can find a multitude of restaurants where you can enjoy the fresh flavours of Balearic gastronomy. Mallorcan products come directly from the local vegetable garden or from the sea, which is right next to La Catedral.
You cannot leave without trying typical Mallorcan and Spanish dishes such as Arrós Brut, roast suckling pig, tumbet, fried Mallorcan fish, snails and Mallorcan soup. You can also find restaurants that offer the classics of national gastronomy.
And of course you can’t leave without experiencing the Spanish cooking course offered by https://lonja18.com/. A Spanish cooking workshop with a good atmosphere and friendliness, accompanied by wine and good conversation. An intimate and vintage place to discover the richness of Spanish gastronomy.
Sailing at the Yacht Club
The Real Club Náutico de Palma is considered one of the most important yacht clubs in the world. A place where sport, culture, education and elegance come together for lovers of the sea.
Built in 1942, it hosts every year the Copa del Rey de Vela, which for years counted with the participation of Don Juan Carlos de Borbón and in 2022 it is King Felipe who took his baton and competes in one of the teams.
Shopping in Paseo del Borne
This is the most elegant street in Palma, where the big luxury brands such as Rolex, Carolina Herrera and Louis Vuitton set up their shops. It is the so-called golden mile of Mallorca.
A promenade where you can rest on the stone benches and in the shade of the leafy trees. Along the promenade you will also find a multitude of cafés and restaurants where you can stop for a break.
On either side of the promenade are two stone sphinxes that lead to the Plaza de la Reina at one end and to the Plaza Juan Carlos I at the other. The Paseo de Borne dresses up for Christmas, becoming an avenue of light and joy.
Enter a museum
Around the Cathedral you can visit interesting museums such as the Museum of Mallorca or the private art collection housed in the Juan March Foundation Museum. Fifteen minutes from the Cathedral you can lose yourself in the Es Baluard Museum, a benchmark of modern art.