Basílica de Sant Francesc
The façade stops you before you even reach the door — a vast, pale sandstone wall that gives almost nothing away, except for one elaborately carved portal and a rose window that seems too delicate for the mass surrounding it. The original front was struck by lightning in 1580 and rebuilt in Baroque over the following century, which explains the odd tension: severity on the outside, ornament within.
Inside, the single nave runs 74 metres and climbs 25 metres into a Catalan Gothic vault that pulls what little light there is upward and away. The effect is genuinely dim, almost austere — a long way from the gilded altarpiece (1739, by Joan d'Aragó) that waits at the far end.
💛 What travellers fall for
People who come back tend to linger in the cloister rather than the church. The trapezoidal garden — orange and lemon trees, a stone well at the centre — is the quietest corner in the old town at opening time. Arrive at 09:30 on a weekday and you'll often have it to yourself for a good ten minutes.
The story behind Basílica de Sant Francesc
The Franciscans arrived in Mallorca in 1232, but the monastery on this site dates from 1278, founded under King Jaume II of Majorca. Construction of the Gothic church began in 1281 and the vault took roughly a century to complete; the apse and ambulatory were finished later in a Baroque refurbishment.
Two figures buried or commemorated here shaped the place's reputation. Ramon Llull (1235–1316), the Catalan mystic and philosopher, has an alabaster tomb carved in 1487 by Francesc Sagrera — a recumbent figure above seven unfinished niches intended for the seven liberal arts, never completed. Fray Junípero Serra, the Mallorcan missionary who founded a chain of California missions, also lived in the monastery. The church was elevated to basilica menor by Pope Pius XII in 1943.
Good to know
Entry is 3€ and comes through the cloister on the east side. Open Monday to Saturday 09:30–12:30 and 15:10–18:00; Sundays until 12:30 only. Allow an hour to an hour and a half. The Plaça de Sant Francesc is a short walk from Plaça d'Espanya, well served by public buses.
Where is Basílica de Sant Francesc?
Location
- In Palma de Mallorca
- 39.5688, 2.6511
- Open in Google Maps
Rating
4.6 ★ · 1,143 Google reviews
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What travellers say about Basílica de Sant Francesc
One of the most beautiful places I've ever seen. Absolutely worth a visit. It was 6 euros to get in, and worth every penny. The staff were incredibly lovely and helpful too.
The Spanish luv their churches & in Palma it’s seems you can’t turn around w/out walking into one. The Cathedral is an amazing architectural marvel, although others such as Sant Francesc are filled with its own treasures…..
The Basilica de Santa Francesc is a hidden gem that truly surprised me. From the outside, the building itself appears quite unassuming, but stepping inside reveals a beautiful and serene space. What was particularly enjoyable for me was the inner courtyard space with colonnades which provided a lovely serene escape to take the time and walk around. If you have the time, I highly recommend paying a visit to this lovely basilica, especially seeing it’s not as busy as the other major sights. It offers a tranquil escape and a glimpse into the rich architectural and cultural heritage of Mallorca.
The Basílica de Sant Francesc in Palma de Mallorca, Balearic Islands, Spain, was founded in 1281. The Baroque facade was added in the 17th century. A bronze statue of Fray Junípero Serra (1713-1784) stands before the church. Serra founded many Franciscan missions in northern Mexico and California. The single wide nave is in the Catalan Gothic style with a gilded Baroque altarpiece and stained glass filling the polygonal apse. The beautifully decorated 16th century main organ is still in use.
Paid entrance to visit this but worthwhile. Make sure you get the SM card that allows you to visit a few other sites . Very few tourist come here but it’s quite good.
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