Basilica & Claustro de SANT FRANCESC

Sant Francesc in Palma is composed of a basilica, a convent and a cloister of exceptional beauty. In 1981 it was declared of Cultural Interest and its beauty enraptures those who behold it. In the Basilica of Sant Francesc lies the burial tomb of the mystic and philosopher, Ramon Llull. His spectacular cloister is one of the architectural marvels of Palma.The basilica dates from the reign of Jaume II, when in 1281 the Franciscans occupied this site, building a church and a convent, both in gothic style. Later it was extended and its structure was improved when they changed the beams for a crossed dome roof. The present baroque façade is from the 17th Century. Its outstanding entrance contains important sculptural work, which is overlooked by the Virgin of the Immaculate Conception, a work of art by the Spaniard, Francisco de Herrera.The interior is made up of one single space divided into eight sections and has lateral chapels with pointed arches. Its dimensions are large; in fact it is the biggest gothic style church in the Balearic Islands after Palma Cathedral. The gothic burial tomb of Ramon Llull Behind the
altar dominated by a baroque altarpiece is the gothic burial tomb of Ramon Llull, built in 1480 by Francesc Sagrera. Legend has it that this mystic Mallorcan was martyred in the Tunisian city of Bugia, and died on the boat that was bringing him home, just as he spied Palma on the horizon. The Sant Francesc collection of monumental buildings including the convent and its cloister, one of the architectural wonders of the city, has been of Cultural Interest since 1981. This beautiful cloister is made up of a hundred and fifteen columns of pointed lobed arches which enclose the curious perimeter of the trapezoid floor. In the middle of the patio the rim of the old cistern has been preserved, with the bucket and a little iron spoon.