Hot and energetic Spaniards certainly need to put their ardor and energy somewhere - hence the large number of large, luxurious and majestic cathedrals. The representative of this family is the La Seu Cathedral, or, as it is also called, the Palma Cathedral. The temple is considered the most typical monument of medieval Gothic architecture in southern Europe. Built in 1229, the cathedral has gone through a difficult historical path to today become one of the main attractions of the country and daily receive locals and tourists from all over the world under its arches.
La Seu Cathedral: historical background
A legend is connected with the construction of this temple: the ruler Jaime I sailed to Mallorca. A violent storm broke out. When Jaime had already said goodbye to life, the thought of a vow arose in his head: he decided that if he got to the shore alive, he would build a powerful temple in honor of the Virgin. In 1230, the first stone was laid for the future Cathedral of Santa Maria or La Seu.
The construction work stretched out for 400 years. Key dates in the chronology of the building:
- 1302 - the foundation stone of the main building of the cathedral
- 1320 - arrangement of the largest Gothic outlet in the world, which was glazed only in 1599
- 1587 - completion of construction works
- 1601 - completion of the La Seu portal
- XVIII - installation of the organ
- 1882 - decoration of the cathedral facades
- 1904-1914 - restoration work
- 1932 - the beginning of the work of the cathedral museum.
Contemporary architectural features
You should take a whole day to get to know the cathedral - this is important, otherwise "chemistry" with this structure may not happen. Pay attention to:
- 14 thirty-meter columns that make up the pillar of the building
- "Gothic-eye" - rose window (rosette), the area of which is almost 100 sq.m.
- Chapel of the Holy Trinity, where the remains of the kings rest
- The forged canopy over the altar is the work of Gaudi
- Columns decorated with angels who meet on the way to the altar
- A tabernacle decorated with gold.
Interesting Facts
- Not only liturgical, but also concert classical music is played on the cathedral organ - concerts are held weekly
- Twice a year - on November 11 and February 2 - the light passing through the rose window is projected onto the wall, thereby forming a double rosette
- There is a door on the south facade, decorated with images of scenes from the Last Supper
- The rosette window is made of 1236 pieces of colored glass.
The object belongs to cathedrals.
