Palma Cathedral, also referred to as La Seu, belongs among the most influential religious building on the Mallorca island. It has a rectangular form and is divided into three naves, each having eight aisles. These aisles connect the buttresses and serve as entrances to chapels. The Cathedral’s roof, made of rib vaults, is supported by octagonal pillars. Among the most remarkable sightseeing features is a rose window of the apse. It consists of twenty-four colored triangle pieces and presents the largest stained glass window in Gothic style (figure 1). The Cathedral began its construction in the 13th century and was finished in the 16th (Cabildo Cathedral of Mallorca, History). Overall, Cathedral’s style can be classified as Mediterranean Gothic; however, due to the long construction and continuous modifications, it also incorporates other modern and contemporary architecture styles.
The main sightseeing feature of the exterior is the Mirador portal, which was built on the verge of the 14th and 15th centuries. It rightfully belongs among the masterpieces of the world’s Gothic style. It is configured as an atrium with sculptures of Saint Andrew, Saint Paul, Saint John the Baptist, Saint Peter, and Saint James. In the mullion, there is an image of Madonna and Child (a copy, with the original being in the museum at the moment). On the tympanum, one can see the Last Supper accompanied by the image of six angels worshiping the Heavenly Father. Finally, the pediment made of quatrefoil arches displays the face of Christ the Saviour.
The Royal and Trinity Chapels were constructed in the early 14th century, thus, representing the La Seu’s oldest sections. Respectively, they are the most important part of the inside interior of the Cathedral (figure 2). Another addition of the 14th century includes several Gothic sepulchers of bishops and the Virgin Sanctuary held in the Trinity chapel. The 15th century celebrated the addition of six angels for the altar columns, the oldest Cathedral sculpture of Virgen de la Grada, and the main Gothic altarpiece, which was eventually placed inside the Mirador portal. Finally, the construction of the choir stalls was finished in the early 16th century.
Nowadays, the Cathedral of Palma hosts various significant Christian celebrations, such as the Catholic traditional feast of Corpus Christi. Consisting of wine and consecrated bread, the feast celebrates the presence of the resurrected Christ (Illes Balears). This traditional festival takes place sixty days after Resurrection Sunday and has historically become one of the most attended events of the year despite the recent COVID-19 outbreak (Majorca Daily Bulletin, 2020). The contemporary Bishop of Mallorca serves as a leader and guide during the event. At the beginning of Corpus Christi, he exposes the Blessed Sacrament, accompanied by the Vespers’ singing. Consequently, in the Holy Sacrament’s Chapel, the Bishop conducts a Holy Mass. The ceremonial procession begins afterward; in the company of marching bands, it passes through the city streets of Palma, such as Palau Reial, the Palau de Sant Pere Nicholás, Plaza Santa Eulalia, Carrer de la Cadena, and Plaça de Cort.
Solely for the purposes of the festival, volunteers from Palma’s cultural workshops decorate the entrances of the Plaça de Cort and La Seu with flower carpets. In addition to the festival, Palma City Council usually organizes a series of Corpus Christi concerts; they feature the music of a wide genre variety, including classical, a soirée of Parisian, and traditional Spanish music.
Works Cited
“Catedral de Mallorca.” Cabildo Cathedral of Mallorca. Web.
“Palma’s Corpus Christi, a living tradition.” Illes Balears. Web.
“Popular Majorcan Tourist Site reopens.” Majorca Daily Bulletin. Web.