Palma Cathedral, known locally as La Seu, is a Gothic landmark on Mallorca’s seafront with a nave reaching around 44 metres, among the tallest in Europe.
This guide was updated in August 2026. The cathedral has named 2026 its “Any Gaudí” (Gaudí Year), marking the architect’s contribution to the building with special programming that no older guide could have listed. You can book through GetYourGuide to arrange your visit before you travel.
Quick facts
| Address | Plaça de la Seu, s/n, 07001 Palma de Mallorca, Spain |
| Opening hours | Mon–Fri 10am–5.15pm (summer); Sat 10am–2.15pm; closed Sundays |
| Admission | Cathedral and museum, adults €11 |
| Nearest transit | Bus lines 3, 4, 7 or 35 to Plaça de la Reina–Catedral |
| Typical visit duration | 1 to 2 hours |
Why book Palma Cathedral tickets?
- 🏛️ One of Europe’s tallest Gothic naves: The central nave rises to around 44 metres, rivalling the great cathedrals of northern Europe.
- 🎟️ Gaudí and Barceló, side by side: Antoni Gaudí’s canopy and Miquel Barceló’s contemporary chapel sit inside the same Gothic building.
- 🌿 Rooftop terraces: Seasonal access lets visitors walk among the flying buttresses for views over Palma Bay.
- 📜 Free for residents and young children: Balearic residents and children aged 9 and under enter at no charge, with documentation.
- 💰 A rare light show: Twice a year, on 2 February and 11 November, sunlight through the rose window projects a striking figure-of-eight onto the nave.
Opening hours at Palma Cathedral
The cathedral is closed to tourist visits every Sunday, a detail worth planning around.
| Period | Monday–Friday | Saturday |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (April–November) | 10am–5.15pm | 10am–2.15pm |
| Winter (December–March) | 10am–3.15pm | 10am–2.15pm |
On most public holidays, the cathedral opens 10am–2.15pm, though it closes entirely on several religious holidays, including Christmas Day and the Assumption.
Ticket prices for Palma Cathedral
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Cathedral + Museum of Sacred Art, adult | €11 |
| Cathedral + Museum, senior (65+) | €9 |
| Cathedral + Museum, preferential (student/unemployed/disability) | €8 |
| Cathedral + Museum + audioguide bundle | €16 |
| Cathedral + Terraces + Museum, adult (April–November) | €25 |
| Cathedral + Terraces + Museum, Balearic residents | €8 |
| Guided sunset terraces tour (summer only) | €30 |
Balearic residents, children aged 9 and under, and visitors with a disability of 65% or more (plus one companion) can receive reductions of up to 100%, though these must be booked in person at the cathedral ticket office with proof of eligibility. To secure your slot ahead of time, book through GetYourGuide.
How to get to Palma Cathedral
By bus: lines 3, 4, 7 and 35 run from Plaça d’Espanya to the Plaça de la Reina–Catedral stop, a short walk from the entrance.
From the airport: the EMT Bus A1 runs from Palma Airport to the Intermodal Station in around 25 minutes, followed by a 15-minute walk south to the cathedral.
On foot: the cathedral is around 10 minutes from Plaça Major and 5 minutes from Passeig del Born.
By car: private cars cannot enter Palma’s historic centre, so driving directly to the cathedral is not possible.
Parking at Palma Cathedral
There is no parking at the cathedral itself. The nearest option is the underground Aparcament Parc de la Mar, around 600 metres away, though it fills up from midday onward in high season. Alternatives include the Antoni Maura car park and Sa Gerreria car park, both within walking distance.
How long to spend at Palma Cathedral
Most visitors need 1 to 2 hours to see the cathedral, the Museum of Sacred Art and, when open, the terraces.
Accessibility at Palma Cathedral
The cathedral is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible route through the main naves and museum. The rooftop terraces, however, are restricted to visitors without cardiorespiratory conditions, vertigo or reduced mobility, and are not open to children under 9. There are no lockers on site, and bulky luggage is not permitted inside.
What to see inside Palma Cathedral
The great rose window. Made from 1,236 pieces of coloured glass, it is among the largest Gothic rose windows in Europe and creates a dramatic light effect on the nave floor each 2 February and 11 November.
Gaudí’s canopy. Antoni Gaudí redesigned the area around the high altar in the early 20th century, adding a wrought-iron canopy suspended above it.
Miquel Barceló’s chapel. The contemporary artist’s ceramic relief, completed in the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, offers a striking contrast to the surrounding Gothic stonework.
The Museum of Sacred Art. Housed within the cathedral complex, the museum displays liturgical treasures and artworks from across the diocese’s history.
The rooftop terraces. Open seasonally, this route along the flying buttresses gives views over the bell tower, the rose window from outside, and the city and sea beyond.
Practical visitor tips for Palma Cathedral
| Tip | Detail |
|---|---|
| Skip Sunday | The cathedral is closed to tourist visits every Sunday, year round |
| Time your visit for the light show | The rose window’s figure-of-eight effect appears only on 2 February and 11 November |
| Book the terraces in advance | Places are limited and restricted to visitors over 9 without mobility or health limitations |
| Dress appropriately | Swimwear and bare torsos are not permitted inside |
| Book tickets in advance | Reserve through GetYourGuide to avoid queuing at the ticket office |
Frequently asked questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is the cathedral open on Sundays? | No, it is closed to tourist visits every Sunday of the year |
| Can I access the terraces? | Yes, seasonally from April to November, though access is restricted for health and safety reasons |
| Is admission free for children? | Children aged 9 and under go free with documentation, purchased in person |
| Is the cathedral wheelchair accessible? | Yes, for the main cathedral and museum; the terraces are not suitable for reduced mobility |
| What’s special about 2 February and 11 November? | Sunlight through the rose window projects a figure-of-eight shape onto the cathedral floor on these two dates only |
Things to do near Palma Cathedral
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina, a former Moorish fortress turned royal residence, stands right beside the cathedral. Es Baluard Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art occupies a former fortress a short walk along the seafront.
Passeig del Born, Palma’s grand tree-lined boulevard, is a few minutes’ walk into the city centre. The Basilica of Sant Francesc, with its cloister and the tomb of philosopher Ramon Llull, sits a short walk through the old town.
Alternative Gothic cathedrals within two hours
Ibiza Cathedral. This hilltop cathedral overlooking Ibiza’s old town is around a 30-minute flight from Palma.
Ciutadella Cathedral, Menorca. A Gothic cathedral built over a former mosque, roughly a 30-minute flight away.
Barcelona Cathedral. This Gothic Quarter landmark is about a 45-minute flight from Palma.
Valencia Cathedral. Home to a chalice long venerated as the Holy Grail, this cathedral is roughly a 45-minute flight away.
Lluc Monastery Basilica. Mallorca’s most important pilgrimage site, set in the Tramuntana mountains, is about an hour’s drive from Palma.
More Spanish cathedrals
Other Spanish cathedral guides on Planet Whitley include:
- What to see when visiting Toledo Cathedral – and how much it will cost.
- All the key information about visiting Zamora Cathedral in Spain.
- Key information for visiting Murcia Cathedral in Spain.
- Oviedo Cathedral visitor guide: Opening hours, prices and which day to avoid.
- Plan your visit to Jaen Cathedral and Baeza Cathedral in Jaen province, Spain.
