In 1229, the great hero of Spain's Reconquista from the Moors, King James I, sailed to the Balearics amidst a horrible storm. If he made it to the Muslim-held isles, he pledged, he would build a great cathedral in honor of the Christian god, La Seu Cathedral.
James safely arrived on Mallorca's beautiful shores, and after successfully occupying all four islands, transformed La Palma's magnificent mosque into one of the finest Gothic churches in all Europe.
It may seem enough to appreciate La Seu's fantastic facades, 43 meters (141 feet) of ornate stonework, redesigned over the years by gifted architects including Gaudi and reflected in the calm Mediterranean. But it is well worth entering to see the richly adorned and magnificently vaulted interior.
There are many archaeological attractions to the quite large Cathedral. Three naves hold numerous gold and silver-lined shrines, two 18th century Baroque candelabras weighing in at over 250kg each, and a Portal Mayor which has survived the years, even an earthquake in 1851. Visitors can even find the hat of the last bishop of Palma hanging over his tomb!
La Seu was designed as a welcome (and warning) to those arriving by sea to he Balearic Islands, and greets most visitors. It is the most prominent structure in the island's capital, La Palma de Mallorca.
La Palma has air, ferry, bus, a train links to the rest of the island, Spain, and Europe, and the cathedral is easily accessible by local buses from anywhere in town. All city tours visit the church, which is also a stop on the La Palma Sightseeing Bus circuit.
