Palma de Mallorca Spain

Posted on by Lea Ann Reynolds
Cathedral of Santa Maria

We arrived this morning into a beautiful spanish island known as Palma de Mallorca. It’s a popular tourist spot and a vibrant city, nestled on the largest of the Balearic Islands, Mallorca.

The rose windows are beautiful. The one on the left is the “gothic eye”
This is a picture from the festival of light phenomenon

Mallorca (also spelled Majorca) is an archipelago of four islands, Mallorca, Ibiza, Formentara and Menorca, located off the coast of mainland Spain in the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of around half a million, Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the islands and boasts a rich history dating back to 2nd century BC, with influences from Romans, Byzantines, Moors, and the Crown of Aragon.

The stained glass windows were amazing
The columns were so tall. The colors on the ceiling are coming from the stained glass windows. Sadly the pictures don’t do it justice.

Our day started bright and early with our tour starting at 9 am. We hopped on the tour bus and headed for a charming little town called Valldemossa, nestled in the Tramuntana Mountains. The drive itself was breathtaking, with winding roads offering glimpses of the dramatic coastline. 

The organ was in Amsterdam for a tune up but the pipes were here.
The alter was amazing but very difficult to get a good photograph

Valldemossa is known for its connection to Polish composer Frederic Chopin and writer George Sand. Chuck wanted to go to Chopins museum but our tour was visiting the birthplace of Saint Catherine Thomas, Santa Catalina as she’s affectionately known here.

There is a moat around the back of the cathedral where a castle once was

Born here in 1533, Santa Catalina was a visionary nun who established a new religious order dedicated to educating young girls. 

These little plaques were around St. Catherine’s birthplace – says “pray for us”
Valldemossa monastery

Back in Palma, we couldn’t miss the awe-inspiring Cathedral of Santa Maria, also known as La Seu. This amazing building is the third-largest cathedral in the world, and let me tell you, it’s HUGE! My neck hurt from trying to look up so much at this beauty. 

Olive trees on the hillside

Construction began in the 13th century and spanned over 300 years, with even the famous architect Antoni Gaudí contributing to its design in the early 20th century. Stepping inside felt like entering another world – the stained glass windows cast a kaleidoscope of colors and the massive stone pillars seemed endless as they pointed towards the heavens.

Loved the trees lining the path

But perhaps the most captivating feature of the cathedral are its rose windows. These enormous circular windows, adorned with intricate stained glass depicting religious scenes and figures, are true works of art. The largest one, on the eastern façade, is known as the “Gothic Eye” and is the biggest rose window of any Gothic cathedral in the world. It’s not just about size though – on two specific days each year, February 2nd (Candlemas) and November 11th, sunlight streams through the eastern rose window and creates a dazzling reflection on the smaller western rose window below. This phenomenon, known as the “Festival of Light,” is a sight to behold, with the two rose windows forming a perfect figure eight.

This panda was dancing and since I didn’t pay him he turned his back when I took the photo 😂

As our day was coming to an end, we wandered through Palma’s old town, almost getting lost in the maze of narrow streets lined with shops and cafes. We shopped a little but no dresses this trip and I failed to get some gelato! Shame on me!

Palma is beautiful and a huge historical city. We have always loved our cruise stops on this island and I’m sure we’ll be back. It’s well worth it.

Some houses stacked on top of each other on the hillside

Our next stop will be in Barcelona for two days.

May God bless you always!

Chuck and Lea Ann

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