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When talking about Mallorca and the must-see places, almost everyone will answer unequivocally – La Seu Cathedral. And for nothing! In the center of the old town on a cozy square is the oldest temple of the city – the Church of St. Eulalia.
History of the Church of St. Eulalia
With the arrival of Jaime I the Conqueror in Mallorca, all remnants of the Muslim city were destroyed in record time. One by one, all of Palma’s mosques were burned down or converted into Christian churches. Such is the history of the Church of St. Eulalia. It was also transformed from the then existing mosque into the first Christian parish in Palma.
Its construction began in 1230 – a little after the conquest of the island by King Jaime I. And it lasted as long as 3 centuries. By the way, just in the XVI century was finished a rosette with a diameter of 6 meters on the main facade of the building. A large number of multicolored stained glass windows, each with its own unique pattern and plot, will delight the eye.
The Church of Saint Eulalia in Palma, founded in honor of one of the patron saints of the city of Barcelona, Saint Eulalia. It is very important in the history of the Kingdom of Mallorca. On September 12, 1276, the son of Jaime I the Conqueror, King Jaime II, was crowned there.
The church building was built entirely in the Gothic style. In the middle of the 19th century, the facade of the church acquired a new neo-Gothic style due to a strong earthquake that partially destroyed the facade.
The Shrine of St. Eulalia today
At the main altar of the church is the chapel of San Cristo de la Conquista. It is the most honored among the inhabitants of Palma de Mallorca. The carving of Santo Cristo de la Conquista was a personal gift from Pope Innocent III to King Pedro II “El Católico” of Aragon, the father of Jaime I the Conqueror. During the military expedition to conquer Majorca, Jaime I brought it to this island. San Cristo de la Conquista has a reputation for miracles and healing.
The Church of Sant’Eulalia is smart, with impressive architecture and the quiet calming sound of the organ. A nice addition is that admission is absolutely free and anyone and everyone can visit it! Like Mallorca’s main Cathedral, the Church of Santa Eulalia has 3 levels. If you wish and pay 5 euros, you can go up to the top.
The church stands out because its bell tower is the tallest in Mallorca. The terraces that surround the church offer views of impressive gargoyles, dragons, harpies, lions and basilisks.
In Piazza Santa Eulalia there was once a church cemetery. Even now, on one side of the church you can see 10 burial arches and 4 tombstones. If you want to relax from the hustle and bustle, let go of all thoughts and think about nothing, touch the history and admire the centuries-old architecture, and then have a cup of invigorating coffee in the cafe on the square opposite the church, you should definitely visit this place. It will leave no one indifferent and is hardly inferior in beauty to La Seu Cathedral!
