Touching the Sky: The Secrets of Palma Cathedral’s Hidden Rooftop Terraces

Saturday, February 28th, 2026

The majestic Palma Cathedral, colloquially known as La Seu, with its imposing sandstone façade and soaring spires, is one of the city’s most iconic treasures. While most visitors admire the “Cathedral of Light” from the marble floors of its nave, a truly transformative experience awaits those willing to look upward.

Since 2016, what was once a series of dusty maintenance ledges for masons and bell-ringers has been reimagined as a premier cultural destination. Visiting the rooftop terraces offers a rare, “birds-eye” perspective on eight centuries of architectural evolution.

The Ascent: Nothing Worthwhile Comes Easily

Access to this hidden world is gained through the Portal de la Almoina on the cathedral’s north side. From here, you embark on an ascent through a narrow, stone spiral staircase tucked within the massive volumes of the bell tower.

While some accounts vary, the official count recognised by the cathedral management is 215 steps. Reaching a vertical height of approximately 44 metres, the climb is physically demanding and requires a good level of fitness. These helical stairs were originally designed for utility rather than tourism, making the journey feel like a genuine step back into the medieval era.

The Architecture of Giants: What You’ll See

Most people only see the cathedral’s exterior from the ground. On the roof, you are at eye-level with the structural genius of the 13th–17th centuries. Once you emerge onto the terraces, the sheer scale of Gothic engineering becomes clear. You are no longer just looking at a building; you are standing within a living architectural organism.

The Flying Buttresses

From this height, you can walk under and alongside the massive flying buttresses. These stone “arms” are essential to the cathedral’s stability, transferring the immense lateral pressure of the 20-metre-wide nave down to the foundations. You can also inspect the pinnacles, vertical elements that aren’t just decorative but provide the necessary weight to stabilise the arches.

The Main Rose Window (The Gothic Eye)

The rooftop offers an intimate encounter with the Great Rose Window. One of the largest in the world at nearly 14 metres in diameter, it contains 1,236 pieces of glass. From the terrace, you can see the “back” of the window, appreciating the intricate leadwork and the complex sacred geometry, including 24 triangles that form a perfect Star of David.

Guardians and Grotesques

Get up close to the many gargoyles and grotesques that adorn the ledges. Far from being merely ornamental, these fierce imaginary beasts serve as waterspouts, protecting the soft limestone walls from erosion and symbolising the sacred space’s protection from evil.

Unrivalled 360-Degree Vistas

The rooftop offers arguably the most comprehensive panoramic view of Palma and beyond.

• The Historic Old Town: Look down upon a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, picturesque squares, and traditional Mallorcan mansions.
• Royal Landmarks: Enjoy a clear view of the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, the former Arab fortress located directly opposite.
• The Horizon: On a clear day, you can spot the circular Bellver Castle to the west and the dramatic peaks of the Serra de Tramuntana mountains forming the island’s backbone.
• The Mediterranean Connection: To the south, the azure waters of the Mediterranean stretch toward the horizon. You’ll see the Parc de la Mar and the bustling harbour, reconnecting the cathedral with its ancient role as a “lighthouse of faith” for sailors.

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Plan Your Visit: 2026 Dates & Details

The rooftop terraces are a seasonal treat, typically closing during the winter months. For the 2026 season, the cathedral has announced an early spring opening.

Opening times

From 5th March to the 30th of November 2026.

Opening hours

Mon – Fri: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Sunday: Closed

Ticket Prices

Standard Tickets: €25 per person
Residents: €8 per person

Please note that children under the age of 9 are not permitted on the rooftop.

Tickets can be purchased online in advance, which is advisable during high season to ensure availability.

For more information, take a look at the La Seu website.

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