Mallorca is one of the most beautiful places in Spain. Not only because of its beaches, which we already know are beautiful, but also because of the many corners of the island that are worth visiting, such as those that house monuments like the ones I’m going to show you in this article.
They are the most popular, so they are a must see. Take note and prepare your route through Mallorca without leaving a single important monument in the inkwell.
The Cathedral of Mallorca
The Cathedral of Santa María de Palma de Mallorca (known to Majorcans as La Seu de Mallorca) is a religious building that draws the attention of believers and non-believers alike. It is in the Levantine Gothic style, with an interior that mixes several styles due to the renovations that were made after the event . In fact, you can find brushstrokes of Gaudí’s modernism and other details that are reminiscent of Barceló’s contemporary style.
It must be said that it is the cathedral with the largest rose window in the Gothic world, since it measures 13 meters in diameter. There are cathedrals with rose windows 15 meters in diameter, but they are in the neo-Gothic style. In addition, its nave is also one of the highest on the old continent, since its vault reaches 44 meters in height (4 less than the Cathedral of Beauvais and 1 less than the Cathedral of Milan).
Twice a year something happens that you cannot miss. On February 2 and November 11, if the weather is good, there is a beautiful play of light thanks to the sun’s rays that penetrate through the largest rose window before 8 in the morning. They are projected under the rose window of the main facade and it is a very beautiful visual spectacle.
From Monday to Friday you can visit both the museum and the cathedral from 10 in the morning and until 3:15 p.m., 5:15 p.m. or 6:15 p.m., something that depends on the time of year. In addition, you can also do it every Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m.
Bellver Castle
It is a Gothic-style castle that is located about three kilometers from Palma de Mallorca, on a mountain that rises 112 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by forest and allows you to enjoy beautiful views of the city. That’s where its name comes from, since "bell veer", in old Catalan, means "beautiful view".
King Jaume II of Mallorca ordered its construction at the beginning of the fourteenth century and illustrious prisoners such as Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos passed through there. One of its peculiarities has to do with its shape, since in Europe there are few circular castles, and in fact it is the oldest of all.
You can visit it throughout the year from Tuesday to Sunday. They sell tickets up to 45 minutes before closing at the Visitor Reception Center, which is right next to the parking area. This area, by the way, is not excessively large, so it is likely that you will not be able to park. Be careful doing it in the vicinity because you can be fined.
General admission costs 4 euros and reduced 2. The latter is pensioners, retirees, public institutions and young people between 14 and 18 years old. Palma residents and travel agencies (groups of at least 5 people) have a special price of 2.50 euros. Finally, you should know that children under 14 do not pay and that admission is free for everyone on Sundays.
The Lonja
La Lonja is a true wonder to behold. It is a jewel of Gothic architecture that was built to become the headquarters of the College of Merchants, where commercial contracts were carried out and products were stored.
Its interior is made up of four naves of identical height separated by six helical columns that were imitated when building the Lonja de Valencia. Outside we see a sculpture of Ángel Custodio, patron of the merchandise. Its octagonal towers were designed by the architect Guillem Sagrera.
You should know that you can visit it from Tuesday to Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
The Sanctuary of Lluc
The Sanctuary of Santa María de Lluc is in Escorca, a town located 400 meters above sea level in the Serra de Tramontana de Mallorca. It is a sacred and pilgrimage place on the island, since there is the Virgin of Lluc, who is the patron saint of Mallorca.
Every year, more than 50,000 people usually join the March des Güell a Lluch a peu, a route of about 48 kilometers that begins in Palma de Mallorca and ends in the Lluc Sanctuary, where there is certainly a beautiful botanical garden.
In the sanctuary it is impossible to get bored, since there is also a House of Spirituality , a museum, a camping area, a refuge and restaurants. And not only that, but for many it is the perfect starting point to enjoy cycling or hiking routes.
The Castle of Capdepera
It is not as visited as Bellver, but that does not mean that it is not a castle worth going to see. It is a fortress with a walled enclosure that began to be built in the year 1300. It is of great importance because the surrender of Menorca took place there. How it happened? Thanks to the expertise of King Jaimer I of Aragon, who lit large bonfires in Capdepera with which he intimidated the Menorcan Saracens, who believed that he had a large army and surrendered signing the Treaty of Capdepera, by which the Minorcan Muslims remained in said island committing to comply with the orders of the Aragonese king with payment of taxes included.
The castle is 1.9 kilometers off the east coast of Mallorca and stands at an altitude of 159 meters . You can see its walls, which were built to protect itself from the attack of pirates, and also a church, the cistern, the watchtowers and archaeological remains. When is it worth going? Throughout the year, but especially on the third weekend of May, since a medieval fair is organized that transports us to the Middle Ages, since artisans such as blacksmiths, silversmiths, carpenters or shoemakers come together.