Chapel route through Palma (Part I)

Although all of them have been refurbished with the passing of time, the city of Palma can brag for conserving religious architectural gems of the Gothic style, one of the most prevalent of the island. Today we suggest a plan on foot, a route through the most beautiful chapels of Ciutat (the city). You will need comfortable shoes, several hours (depending on your own personal interest, considering the route can be seen in two hours or in eight) and a desire to dive into the narrow streets of the old town of Palma.

The convent of Santa Clara

It was built on the remains of a building of Muslim origin, it´s construction started during the conquest of King James I. During the following centuries and until the nineteenth century, the convent of Santa Clara underwent several renovations, so mucho so that there is little left besides it´s round arches. The chapter house belongs to that time of reformation and dates back to the XVI century; the halls that make up the cloister allow glimpses and reminisces of the Gothic style so prevalent in the historic buildings of Mallorca. Currently the Clarisa sisters, that´s how they´re known, live in the monastery and have a candy sale service to help support themselves.

Unfortunately it isn´t possible to visit the convent, but you can enter the church and admire a little piece of history of the Balearic Islands. If you are interested in buying the candy made by the Clarisa sisters, all you have to do is touch the doorbell around the convent.

What: Church of the convent of Santa Clara of Palma.

When: From Monday to Friday from 7h to 20h; Saturdays from 13h to 20h.

How much: free.

Where: Carrer de Can Fonollar, 2 07001, Palma.

Church of  Santa Eulàlia

Located in the middle of the historic town of the city, this beautiful church is crowned as the only church besides La Seu (the cathedral of Palma de Mallorca) to be of Gothic style and has three parts. Santa Eulàlia has a special importance to the citizens of Palma, and that is that James II was crowned here, the son and successor of James I the conqueror, who snatched power of the Balearic Islands from the Muslims. The entrance to the church is just through one of the oldest squares in the city, the Plaza of Santa Eulàlia, very close to the famous Plaza de Cort, where the city hall of Palma is located.

Except for its massive bell tower built in the mid nineteenth century which is of the Neogothic style, the whole church belongs to the Gothic period, following the variant of Catalan style with three parts, which differs greatly from what was prevailing at that time, architecture only having one part. The exterior terraces that circle the temple stand out since they´re decorated with large gargoyles that represent medieval bestiary. One of the biggest attractions of the church is the carving of the Holy Christ of the Conquest, which was a obsequi of the Pope Innocent III to King Peter II the catholic of Aragon (father of James I the Conqueror) and that was installed after the conquest of his son.

What: Church of Santa Eulàlia of Palma.

When: everyday from 10h to 20h.

How much: free.

Where: Plaza de Santa Eulàlia, 2 07001 Palma.