If the interior of Palma Cathedral is a treasure in itself, a visit to the terraces of the Gothic temple will elevate your experience to the heavens in one of the tallest and most emblematic cathedrals in Europe, with a height of 44 m and a spectacular rose window that twice a year is the centrepiece of the ‘Festival of Light’, or “Vuit de la Seu”.
A winding staircase leads up to the terraces of Palma Cathedral, where the views are simply stunning. Amidst the sea breeze, with the sun on the horizon and the Mediterranean Sea in the background, you can admire the marvellous architecture of this sacred building from a unique perspective and learn more about its construction and the most outstanding elements. The flying buttress arches will welcome you on the eastern side, before you focus your attention on the rib of the central nave and the beautiful stained glass windows. The back of the central rose window, on the right-hand side, will captivate you with its 1,115 pieces of glass that colour the basilica and create a spectacle of light.
In an atmosphere of serenity and away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can climb the 208 steps to enjoy an incredible panoramic view of the north and south façade of the Cathedral. In addition to observing the interior from up high, a visit to the roofs will also allow you to get up close to the bell tower—the n’Aloy bell being the largest, at 4,632 kg and 2 m in diameter—and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city. At first glance, you will identify some of Palma’s great icons, such as the Almudaina Palace and Bellver Castle. From this Gothic viewpoint you will also have the opportunity to stop and gaze out at the Serra de Tramuntana mountain range that surrounds the city, while the gargoyles seem to come to life.
Timetable of the visit
Visits to the terraces of the Cathedral are available from April to October, Monday to Friday from 10am to 4.30pm, and on Saturdays from 10am to 1.30pm. Tickets can be purchased online or at the ticket office. As a novelty, this year there are guided tours at sunset (8pm) in Spanish, Catalan and English that will introduce you to the legends and stories behind the temple.
