Palma is a lively, sprawling, crowded city, the largest on the island of Mallorca. The Palma Cathedral, also known as La Seu is an impressive Gothic structure, overlooking the Parc de la Mar and the Mediterranean Sea.
It is built of locally mined limestone on the site of a pre-existing Arab Mosque. Construction began back in 1229 and was completed in 1601. Many changes and additions have been made to the church over the years, the most unusual of which was work done by Antoni Gaudi in 1901.
La Seu translates into “of the sea, light and space”, and Gaudi’s additions certainly fulfill that description.
In addition to many other changes, he created The Grotto. The colors of the stained glass windows are unusually unsymmetrical in design and resemble the view one might have if they are ooking up to the sky from beneath 30 feet of water.
The textures, subtle shadings, and designs on the walls certainly capture an undersea feel.
His work on La Seu was my first exposure to this innovative creator.
Coming up, I will share some of his amazing creations in Barcelona.
Magnifico! You are so right it feels like some forbidden mysterious under the sea church, just amazing!!
INcredible!! Thank you so much for sharing this. Gaudi was truly as amazing talent. The grotto is truly a sight to behold. I'm so envious that you got to see it in person!!
Emily, this is gorgeous, and I'm so excited for your next post! We're going to Barcelona this fall. I've been fascinated by Gaudi since art history class my Freshman year of college, but have never seen his work in person. Thanks for the peak, it make the vacation anticipation that much better! XO
When we were in Palma, I didn't go into the Cathedral (kids were very little, it was hot, etc…) but now I'm wishing I had! I didn't know Gaudi had put his unique stamp on it…since I missed it in person, thank you for the tour!
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Emily – I've seen lots of Gaudi works but never this fantastic grotto. Thank you for sharing! Mallorca has long been on my list of places to visit and your posts have inspired me to move it to the top of the list. Just lovely!