THE 8 SPECTACLE AT SAINT MARY’S OF MALLORCA
the Basilica Cathedral of Santa Maria of Mallorca, better know as “La Seu”, is a nearly 800 year old temple result of the Christian reconquest of Mallorca. Twice every year, both main rosettes, star a truly fantastic light show.
While some locals still believe this is the result of a perfect design, others think this is something rather accidental. One way or the other, is absolutely fantastic. But what is that goes on? Not long ago, they realized that during sunrise, the main rosette, that above the main altar, that facing east, was projected entirely on the opposite end.
About building a Cathedral
James 1st of Aragon took Palma on New Year’s Eve 1229. Once in office, he ordered to build a gothic temple to honor Santa Maria. The place choosen was where once the mosque of Madina Mayurka (arab for City of Mallorca) stood. During the next 400 years, construction continued, and finally, in 1601, the temple received consecration. However, this is a work in progress and it is not, maybe, until 1914, when renowned architect Antonio Gaudí performs the last touch. La Seu which erects by the sea (or so it used to, now there is a lake to simulate this) reflects is impressive silouette on water, thus this is unique in the world.
While gothic temples point to the east, La Seu does not. This is perfect to allow the sun to cross the main rosette. By the way, is the largest gothic one in the world. This rouded window, called the Gothic Eye, is 11 meters in diameter and it is made out of 1115 tinted glasses. 14 octogonal columns divide the space into 8 sections.
The Spectacle of 8 at La Seu
As the sun rises, 1115 tinted glasses will reflect on the oppotite wall. This event only happens on two specific day: November 11th, Sain Martin; and February 2th, Candelaria. What make this so special, is that the reflected rosette will run beneath the real glass one. At some point, the two togheter make an 8 shape. As I mentioned above, people are rather skeptical about this image. Some say is due to a remodelation after the 1851 earthquake. Other say is beacuse the temple uses the foudations of the mosque. A few want to believe builders were just that sharp. Regardless intentionally or not, it is worth seeing it. And you can. This comming sunday 2nd of february, 2020, the gates of the Cathedral of Mallorca will open for you to see, do no miss it!. It will last for about five minutes