Palma Cathedral

Palma Cathedral (also known as La Seu / La Seo) is a spectacular landmark and tourist attraction in the Majorcan capital. Neo-gothical in style, the 14th century cathedral sits atop a hill, above the city walls of the old town of Palma, facing the sea.

Construction began in 1230 on the site of an existing Arab mosque and was not completed until 1601. At over 121m by 55m, the cathedral is an impressive building that attracts many visitors to Majorca. The cathedral was damaged by an earthquake in 1851, and the main facade was later reconstructed.

Features and things to see in Palma Cathedral:

• The bell tower (Campanario)- never completed, stands at 52m has nine bells, including the notable 2m diameter N'Elio bell that weighs over 4.5 kilos
• Trinidad Chapel - where the mummified remains of King Jaime II and a tomb containing the ashes of Jaime III were laid to rest
• Main south door (mirador) - sculptured with ornamental and geometric motifs
• 18th Century Baroque silver candelabras
• Statues of Saint Peter, Saint Paul, The Last Supper and Virgin with Child
• Gold and silver sacred shrines
• Gothic and baroque sculptures and paintings
• Treasury and museum
• Walnut choir stalls.
• Royal Chapel - a church in itself within the cathedral
• Early 15th century religious paintings and vestments
• Rose window - said to be the largest gothic rose window in the world

Palma Cathedral Visitor Information:
Opening times:

• 1st April - 31st May : Monday-Friday 10am-5.15pm. Saturday 10am-2.15pm. Sunday closed.
• 1st June - 30th September : Monday-Friday 10am-6.15pm. Saturday 10am-2.15pm. Sunday closed.
• 1st October - 31st October : Monday-Friday 10am-5.15pm. Saturday 10am-2.15pm. Sunday closed.
• 1st November - 31st March : Monday-Friday 10am-3.15pm. Saturday 10am-2.15pm. Sunday closed.

Admission is €4 (children up to age ten are admitted free of charge)
Guided tours are available.

Contact Address for Palma Cathedral:
Plaza Almoina, s/n 07001, Palma, Majorca
Tel. +34 971723130
website: www.catedraldemallorca.org
email enquiries: info@catedraldemallorca.org

Majorca attracts celebrities on vacation

A look at Majorca and how it attracts the rich and famous...

Majorca - A Favourite Island For Celebrity Vacations by Alcudia Pollensa

When it comes to celebrity tourists, the Spanish holiday island of Majorca has more than her fair share.

And if celebrities weren't enough, Majorca is frequented by royals too.

The Spanish have long been aware of King Juan Carlos love for the area. He even maintains a retreat and moors a yacht there for his regular Majorca holidays. In fact, the isle is popular with the entire royal family, including King Juan Carlos' son, Prince Felipe, who also holidays there frequently.

Other famous visitors to this Spanish paradise include Queen Elizabeth, actress Patsy Palmer, actor Michael Douglas, actress Catherine Zeta-Jones, musician Mike Oldfield and more.

Celebrities from all over the world have purchased holiday properties and second (or third or fourth) homes on the island. Majorca is so popular with the rich and famous that it isn't unusual for residents to spot a celebrity on any given day. And though it is the largest of Spain's many islands, at only 3700 square kilometers, it isn't the easiest place in the world to hide. Still, with its private beaches and secluded mountain retreats, it offers enough solace to continue enticing celebrities as it has for almost 50 years.

Majorca's year round population stands at less than one million, smaller than many major cities. Yet tourist numbers may double that number during the peak holidays season.

The biggest piece of the tourism pie comes from other European countries and the UK. However, Majorca has become increasingly popular with visitors from North America in the last two decades. In fact, thanks in large part to Majorca's draw of visitors, Spain has become the second most visited country in the world. It is second only to France for the most foreign tourists.

Majorca has invested billions of dollars in the tourism sector since the 1960s. That investment has certainly paid off - Majorca draws over 6 million tourists annually. An astounding 95 percent of Majorca's economy is directly or indirectly sparked by tourism.

Both short-term and long-term holiday-makers are drawn to the area mainly for its sunshine, beaches and breathtaking natural beauty. Hotels do a brisk business in every region of the Spanish isle. Tourists who like to stay longer and visit more frequently (especially the rich and famous) have helped to keep the real estate business booming on Majorca. The politically stable climate of Spain has made its many tourist destinations, including Majorca, popular places to invest in property.

These are just a few of the reasons that the British newspaper The Telegraph recently touted Majorca on its 'best of' list.

It noted that the island's 'lovely' geography and natural features make it a particularly worthwhile destination for holidaymakers.

La Residencia hotel is often quoted in the European press as one of the best hotels on the continent, and is good enough to draw the rich and famous, and is one of the best Majorca hotels

Majorca remains extremely popular with outdoor lovers. Both celebrities and the average vacationer alike appreciate the quality of outdoor life that can be found on the island. As long as Spain remains politically stable, Majorca will surely continue to draw visitors from around the world in the years to come.

About the Author

Palma Airport Majorca and cheap flight to Majorca deals plus a range of holidays in Majorca with photograph galleries are among the details offered at yourmajorca.net

Majorca Family Holiday Activities

Author: Daniel Eyre

A cheap Majorca holiday is a fantastic getaway for the whole family, and there are plenty of ways to entertain all ages with these great Majorca family holiday activities, with highlights ranging from pirates to parrots. Hold on tight!

The Magaluf Pirates Show

The Magaluf Pirates Show is one of the most popular days out for Majorca family holidays - just make sure that you pick the child-friendly version if you're bringing the kids! This stunning show features world-class acrobatics and impressive dancing from actors, dancers and acrobats from eight different countries.

With former World Champions, European Champions, British Champions, World Games Silver and Bronze medallists, European silver medallists and Commonwealth Games competitors, the Magaluf Pirate Show is an amazing spectacle. Dinner is included with the ticket, which is reasonably priced if you're aiming for a cheap Majorca holiday.


Aqualand, Magaluf

Aqualand, also in Magaluf, is arguably the best water park in Majorca, featuring a variety of water rides and activities for waterbabies of all ages. The park has 16 water-based slides and attractions, from the fearsome Boomerang to the more sedate Congo River.

But Aqualand's most famous attraction is The Tornado - a tubular slide that sweeps the most daring guests down a giant whirlpool, whirling them around with the water before hurling them down into the swimming pool below. A brilliant way to re-energise on a cheap Majorca holiday!


Majorca Auto Safari park

As the island's only dedicated zoo, the Majorca Auto Safari offers tourists a unique experience. The 4km drive across open countryside, punctuated with unusual wildlife, provides an ideal day out for family holidays to Majorca. Monkeys, giraffes, zebras and flamingo are amongst the animals to be spotted by park visitors in the drive, and there is a baby zoo with baby elephants and crocodiles. Aaah!


Marineland, Majorca

A regular highlight for family holidays, Majorca's Marineland offers a fantastic day out for adults and children, featuring dolphins, sharks, reptiles, penguins, sea lions and several exotic birds. The dolphin show is the highlight of the park, rated amongst the best in the world.


Go Karts in Majorca

Karting Magaluf is an excellent attraction for those looking for something a little different. Trying to replicate the experience of real racing, the course is perfect both for amateur and professionals and will inject a high-adrenalin rush into your cheap Majorca holiday.

Karting Magaluf is highly recommended for families and groups of friends, as the experience is great fun when racing against people you know. There are also karts (and a practice course) for children as young as three years old.


Fantasia Golf, Palma Nova


If you're at all interested in improving your swing then this enormous crazy golf complex is very enjoyable for all levels of golfers with its novelty waterfalls, caves and tropical gardens. Fantasia Golf at Palma Nova is considered to be the best mini golf course in Majorca, with three different 18-hole courses. It is extremely popular with tourists of all ages and perfect for a day out on a family holiday in Majorca.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/majorca-family-holiday-activities-434058.html

About the Author:

Daniel Eyre is the Product Manager of Search Travel Online.
Search Travel Online is part of the Co-operative Group, specialising in cheap Majorca holidays.