Esglèsia de Sant Francesc

Interesting facts

1. 1

   The church facade features a large, intricately carved rose window that serves as a focal point of Majorcan Gothic design.

2. 2

   Ramon Llull, the medieval mystic and polymath who influenced Renaissance philosophy, is buried within a marble tomb inside the church.

3. 3

   The Gothic-style cloister is built around a central garden that historically provided medicinal plants for the monks.

4. 4

   The building was constructed on the site of a former Islamic neighborhood, reflecting the religious transitions of 13th-century Palma.

5. 5

   The main altarpiece is a masterpiece of the Majorcan Gothic period, showcasing detailed religious iconography and period-specific painting techniques.

6. 6

   The church was declared a National Monument in 1881 to protect its architectural integrity.

7. 7

   The convent's ceiling structures often utilize the 'artesonado' technique, influenced by Mudejar craftsmanship.

Overview

The Esglèsia de Sant Francesc is a prominent example of Majorcan Gothic architecture, established by the Franciscan order in the 13th century. Its facade, reconstructed in the 17th century by Francisco Herrera, features a prominent rose window and a notable Baroque portal. The interior centers on a spacious single-nave design with side chapels, housing a significant 15th-century altarpiece. A key architectural highlight is the two-story cloister, which displays a mix of Gothic and Renaissance styles with slender columns and delicate tracery. The church serves as the final resting place of Ramon Llull, the Majorcan philosopher and writer, whose tomb is located in the left transept. The building is structurally attached to the Convent of Sant Francesc, which retains historical remnants of the original monastic complex. The stone used throughout the site is the characteristic local marès, a soft golden limestone sourced from island quarries. The site remains an active place of worship and a central landmark in the historic old town of Palma.

Insider tips

• Walk the full perimeter of the cloister to appreciate the transition between different architectural eras.

• Look for the smaller side chapels, as they often contain private devotional art and individual tomb markers.

• Take time to view the exterior facade from the opposite side of the square to see the symmetry of the stone carvings.