Basílica de Sant Francesc

Palma de Mallorca


One of Palma’s oldest churches, the Franciscan Basílica de Sant Francesc was begun in 1281 in Gothic style, while the baroque facade, with its carved postal and rose window, was completed in 1700. In the splendid Gothic cloister – a two-tiered, trapezoid affair – the elegant columns indicate it was also some time in the making. Inside, the high vaulted roof is classic Gothic, while the glittering high altar is a baroque lollipop, albeit in need of a polish.

In the first chapel on the left is the church’s pride and joy, the tomb of the 13th-century scholar and mystic Ramon Llull. Also a fervid evangelist and the inventor of literary Catalan, Llull lays fair claim to the title of Mallorca’s favourite son (apart perhaps from tennis champ Rafael Nadal). His alabaster tomb is high up on the right – drop a few coins in the slot for the campaign to have him canonised (he has only made it to beatification). Check out the Capilla de los Santos Mártires Gorkomienses, on the right side of the apse. In 1572, 19 Catholics, 11 of them Franciscans, were martyred in Holland. In this much-faded portrayal of the event, you can see them being hanged, disembowelled, and more.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Palma de Mallorca attractions

1. Can Catlar del Llorer

0.08 MILES

Dating back to medieval (and possibly even Arab) Palma, this house boasts one of the city's oldest courtyards.

2. Can Vivot

0.09 MILES

Built on the site of an earlier house in 1690 by Joan Sureda Villalonga, later to become the first Marquis of Vivot.

3. Església de Santa Eulàlia

0.11 MILES

The oldest parish church in Palma, raised after the 1229 conquest, the Església de Santa Eulàlia is a soaring Gothic structure with a neo-Gothic facade…

4. Església del Monti-Sion

0.12 MILES

The gaudy baroque facade of the Església del Monti-Sion was converted from a Gothic synagogue. It got a serious baroque makeover, inside and out, in the…

5. Can Oleza

0.16 MILES

Can Oleza's Ionic columns, broad staircase and low arches are typical of 17th-century Palma's patis.

6. Centre Maimó ben Faraig

0.16 MILES

Palma's long Jewish history is given some recognition in this small interpretation centre, attached to the Can Bordils. As well as illustrated panels…

7. Porta de l'Almudaina

0.16 MILES

The arch over Carrer de l'Almudaina east of Can Bordils is intriguing for history buffs, part of a rare stretch of defensive wall and tower. It is said to…

8. Can Bordils

0.16 MILES

This 16th-century mansion with a 17th-century courtyard is home to the Arxiu Municipal, which sometimes holds temporary exhibitions. Unlike many of Palma…

  • placement: superzone
  • path: Destinations/POIs/superzone
  • possible size: [970, 250], [970, 90], [728, 90], [1, 1],
  • targeting:
    {
      "url": "spain/palma-de-mallorca/attractions/basilica-de-sant-francesc/a/poi-sig/1048553/1004365",
      "destination": "Palma-de-Mallorca",
      "continent": "Europe",
      "country": "Spain",
      "city": "Palma-de-Mallorca",
      "position": "superzone"
    }