Esgl茅sia de Santa Eul脿lia (Church of Santa Eulalia), Palma de Mallorca
Nestled in the heart of Palma鈥檚 charming historic centre, the Church of Santa Eulalia (Esgl茅sia de Santa Eul脿lia) stands as the city鈥檚 oldest parish church. Built in 1236 on the ruins of a former Moorish mosque shortly after the 1229 Catalan conquest, it predates even the iconic Cathedral of La Seu. In the bull of Pope Innocent IV (1248), Santa Eul脿lia was recognized as the foremost church in Palma, reflecting its medieval importance during the formative years of the island鈥檚 Christian identity.
Historically, the church was the site of major events in Mallorcan governance and royalty: in 1256, the island鈥檚 General Council swore loyalty to the heir Jaume, and in 1276 Jaume II was crowned King of Mallorca within its walls. Over the centuries, the church evolved architecturally鈥攆rom its original Catalan Gothic structure with a central nave flanked by side aisles and chapels between buttresses, to a Neo鈥慓othic fa莽ade added at the turn of the 20th century, replete with an original 15th鈥慶entury rose window.
Inside, visitors will discover a peaceful sanctuary marked by rib-vaulted ceilings supported by elegant octagonal columns, serene stained glass windows, and subtle details in both Gothic austerity and Baroque flourish. Noteworthy features include the Baroque altarpiece by Dominican friar Albert de Burguny贸 and the historic pulpit from which Saint Vincent Ferrer preached in 1413. The exterior is adorned with medieval gargoyles鈥攊ncluding dragons and harpies鈥攂elieved to ward off evil, while terraced balconies and fa莽ades depict biblical scenes like the Annunciation and the Epiphany.
Despite its proximity to Palma鈥檚 larger cathedral, Santa Eul脿lia offers a tranquil oasis for reflection. Free from large tourist crowds, it invites visitors to pause, explore the artistry and architecture at leisure, and soak in centuries of history within one of the island鈥檚 most evocative spiritual landmarks.
Historically, the church was the site of major events in Mallorcan governance and royalty: in 1256, the island鈥檚 General Council swore loyalty to the heir Jaume, and in 1276 Jaume II was crowned King of Mallorca within its walls. Over the centuries, the church evolved architecturally鈥攆rom its original Catalan Gothic structure with a central nave flanked by side aisles and chapels between buttresses, to a Neo鈥慓othic fa莽ade added at the turn of the 20th century, replete with an original 15th鈥慶entury rose window.
Inside, visitors will discover a peaceful sanctuary marked by rib-vaulted ceilings supported by elegant octagonal columns, serene stained glass windows, and subtle details in both Gothic austerity and Baroque flourish. Noteworthy features include the Baroque altarpiece by Dominican friar Albert de Burguny贸 and the historic pulpit from which Saint Vincent Ferrer preached in 1413. The exterior is adorned with medieval gargoyles鈥攊ncluding dragons and harpies鈥攂elieved to ward off evil, while terraced balconies and fa莽ades depict biblical scenes like the Annunciation and the Epiphany.
Despite its proximity to Palma鈥檚 larger cathedral, Santa Eul脿lia offers a tranquil oasis for reflection. Free from large tourist crowds, it invites visitors to pause, explore the artistry and architecture at leisure, and soak in centuries of history within one of the island鈥檚 most evocative spiritual landmarks.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Palma de Mallorca. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "黑料吃瓜网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Esgl茅sia de Santa Eul脿lia (Church of Santa Eulalia) on Map
Sight Name: Esgl茅sia de Santa Eul脿lia (Church of Santa Eulalia)
Sight Location: Palma de Mallorca, Spain (See walking tours in Palma de Mallorca)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Palma de Mallorca, Spain (See walking tours in Palma de Mallorca)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Palma de Mallorca
Creating your own self-guided walk in Palma de Mallorca is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Buildings Walking Tour
Fervent devotees of the past will undoubtedly find Palma de Mallorca's old town quite alluring for a chance to get closer to the island's culture and discover firsthand the unspoiled Mallorca as it once was. Indeed, the historic center of the city is ideal for an acquaintance with the local heritage richly presented in the form of multiple historic buildings.
Some of them, like the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Some of them, like the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles
Palma de Mallorca Introduction Walking Tour
Before it became a Roman camp, the area called Palma was a Talaiotic settlement, a place of mysterious Bronze age megaliths. Even the Romans were mystified. In time the camps and the stones disappeared and the city of Palma formed.
The Romans were succeeded by Byzantines, pirates and Islamic rulers. The Muslim period extended from 902 to 1229. In December of 1229, after a siege of three months,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles
The Romans were succeeded by Byzantines, pirates and Islamic rulers. The Muslim period extended from 902 to 1229. In December of 1229, after a siege of three months,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.4 Km or 1.5 Miles