Imagine stepping back in time to 1229. The Catalan conquest of Mallorca has just ended. Rising majestically before us is the Església de Santa Eulàlia. It is Palma’s oldest church.
Santa Eulàlia stands as a testament to faith and history. It exemplifies Gothic architecture. The church was built atop a former Muslim mosque. Its parish status was recorded in 1236. This was in the paborde of Tarragona.
Dedicated to Eulalia, the patron saint of Barcelona, the church carries immense historical weight. Eulalia was a young girl martyred by the Romans. She suffered torture and beheading.
Inside Santa Eulàlia, history whispers from every corner. The first assembly of the General Grand Council of Mallorca was held here. Jaume II was crowned King of Majorca here on September 12, 1276. He was also known as James the Just.
August 2, 1391, marked a dark day. A rebellion led to the death of nearly 300 Jews. They were considered faithful to the royal crown. Those who survived converted in Santa Eulàlia. The church became known as the church of conversion.
Over the centuries Santa Eulàlia evolved. A rose window was added. Guillem Ferrer carved Saint Eulalia above the entrance. A 50-meter-high bell tower was added in the 19th century.
In 1893 Joan Sureda i Veri restored the main façade. He gave it a more modern Neo-Gothic appearance. Another restoration occurred in 2011. This was after severe storm damage. Look closely at the tympanum paintings. On the east side you will see the Annunciation. It faces St. Christ Street. The Epiphany graces the west side facing St. Eulalia Street.
Step inside Santa Eulàlia. Admire the Baroque-style main altar. It is the creation of Dominican friar Albert de Burgunyó. Explore the seven chapels in the ambulatory. These include Sant Crist de la Conquesta, Santa Catalina, Sant Lluís, and the Mercy of Christ.
Note that the side walls contrast with the main facade. The bell tower were rebuilt in the neo-Gothic style. This happened between 1894 and 1903. It followed an earthquake in 1851.
Consider the chapel of the Brotherhood of Saint Eligius. It is the first chapel on the left from Calle Esglesia de Santa Eulalia. This is also known as the silversmiths’ door. Saint Eligius is the patron saint of blacksmiths and silversmiths. His symbol is the silver vase. You can see it on the altarpiece and on the marble slab in the floor.
Peer closely and you will see the pulpit where Saint Vincent Ferrer preached. He was known as the Angel of the Apocalypse. His portrait hangs above. The commemorative stone from 1413 is on the stairs.
Before you leave, consider climbing the belfry. It offers a magnificent view of Palma’s historic quarter. From there you can appreciate the enduring legacy of Santa Eulàlia. It is a symbol of faith and resilience. It has stood tall through centuries of change.