Did Sant Pau always look this way? The answer, my friends, is a resounding no. Sant Pau, here in Palma de Mallorca, has seen some changes over the centuries. This Gothic oratory, nestled beside the Episcopal Palace, first graced this city in the early 15th century. Its façade, angled against the palace wall, once stood proudly in its original Gothic splendor. Imagine a single-story structure, adorned with intricately carved vegetal motifs around its archway. A statue of Saint Paul watched over the entrance, with a poignant crucifix above.
The years, however, have left their mark. At some point, a second story was added. This addition drastically altered Sant Pau’s initial appearance, obscuring the pure Gothic lines. Today, we see this blend of old and new. The original ogival portal still beckons visitors inside. There, a wooden ceiling with intricate patterns, known as enteixinats, awaits.
Sant Pau isn’t just a beautiful example of architecture. It serves as the gateway to the Diocesan Museum of Mallorca. The museum extends beyond Sant Pau into the neighboring Episcopal Palace. Within its walls, a treasure trove of art and artifacts awaits discovery. You’ll find Pere Niçart’s Retaule of Saint George, a stunning example of Gothic art. Works by renowned artists like Joan Daurer, Pere Terrencs, and Martí Tomer also grace the collection. And for those with a taste for the unusual, there’s the intriguing embalmed dragon, known locally as the Drac de na Coca.
But the museum’s story, like that of Sant Pau, has its own twists. In 2004, renovations necessitated a temporary relocation of the collection. The Oratory of the Seminari Vell became its temporary home. Today, however, the museum has returned to its rightful place. Sant Pau once again opens its doors to both art enthusiasts and those seeking a glimpse into Palma’s rich history.