Esglèsia de Sant Francesc

Església de Sant Francesc is a 13th-century basilica and monastery in Palma’s old town, at Carrer de Sant Francesc, 7. Its austere sandstone exterior gives way to a Gothic interior with a gilded Baroque altarpiece, stained glass and a decorated organ. The visit also includes the cloister, where colonnades frame a quiet courtyard garden. Look for the tomb of the scholar Ramon Llull and take time to see both the church and cloister.

A monastery church in Palma’s old town

The Franciscan monastery church was founded in the 13th century. Its history is linked to Jaume II: his eldest son took monastic orders here and gave up his claim to the throne. The church and monastery grew over the centuries as noble families supported the Franciscan order.

The basilica is dedicated to St. Francis. Its sandstone façade was rebuilt after lightning damage in the 17th century. A rose window and carved portal add detail to the otherwise severe exterior. A bronze statue of Fray Junípero Serra stands in front of the church. Serra was educated at the monastery and later founded Franciscan missions in northern Mexico and California.

The Gothic interior and cloister

Inside, the church has a broad single nave in the Catalan Gothic style. The gilded Baroque altarpiece brings a different style to the interior, while stained glass fills the polygonal apse. The main organ, decorated in the 16th century, is still in use.

The basilica also contains tombs of monks and artworks. Look for the tomb of Ramon Llull, the 13th-century scholar. Beyond the church, the Gothic cloister has colonnaded galleries around a courtyard garden. The basilica and cloister together give a fuller sense of the monastery complex.