The Gothic Jewels of Palma
Three buildings, three centuries, one architectural style: this private tour takes you to the most impressive Gothic structures in Palma – Bellver Castle, the La Lonja merchants’ exchange and Santa María cathedral. In four hours you see the architectural heart of the city.
Castell de Bellver – the Round Castle
We begin above the city. The Castell de Bellver is one of the few perfectly circular castles in Europe and therefore an architectural rarity. It was built in the 14th century as a royal residence and today houses the Historical Museum of Palma. From the walkway around the walls you look out over the whole bay.
La Lonja – When Palma Lived on Trade
Next we drive into the historic centre to La Lonja. The 15th-century building was designed by Guillem Sagrera and served as the seat of the merchants’ guild. Inside, twisted columns like stone palm trees carry the vaulting – a building that shows just how wealthy the trading city of Palma once was.
La Seu Cathedral – Gaudí and Barceló
The highlight is the cathedral of Santa María de Mallorca. Behind the vast façade lies far more than a Gothic church: in the early 20th century Antoni Gaudí redesigned the interior and hung the wrought-iron canopy above the altar. Around a hundred years later Miquel Barceló created the ceramic wall of the Chapel of Saint Peter. Seeing both in one room is unusual – and the reason this cathedral is more than an obligatory stop.
Tour Highlights
- Castell de Bellver, one of Europe’s few circular castles
- La Lonja with its twisted stone “palm tree” columns
- La Seu cathedral with Gaudí’s wrought-iron canopy
- Miquel Barceló’s ceramic wall in the Chapel of Saint Peter
- Panoramic views over the bay of Palma
At a Glance
- Start: at your cruise ship
- Duration: approx. 4 hours
- Type: private guided tour
- Guide: official Balearic Islands guide
Good to Know
- The tour starts directly at your cruise ship in Palma.
- Available with a guide and driver, or with a driver only.
- Admission fees are not included.
- Guiding on the Balearic Islands requires an official licence – your guide holds one.
- Vehicle: Mercedes Vito minivan for up to six people; larger groups on request.
Booking the Gothic Jewels
Tell us which ship you are on and how long you are in port, and we will fit the Gothic Jewels around your day ashore. You are under no obligation until everything is confirmed.
This tour is one of our shore excursions in Mallorca.
