Church of Santa Magdalena, Palma

Church in Palma

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Joan Gené

In a quiet corner of Palma's old town, just off Plaça de Santa Magdalena, the Church of Santa Magdalena offers a more intimate experience than the city's grand cathedral. This Baroque church, rebuilt in 1740 on its medieval foundations, is closely linked to the life of Santa Catalina Tomàs, whose story of hardship, devotion and mysticism gives the place a special atmosphere. Step inside and you leave behind the bustle of central Palma for a peaceful interior where faith and local history come together.

Santa Magdalena is one of the must-see places in Palma de Mallorca if you are interested in the city's religious heritage beyond its headline attractions. The church stands shoulder to shoulder with the Convent of Santa Magdalena de Palma, where Catalina longed to become a nun despite the obstacles of an early life marked by poverty and loss. Today, visitors come not only to admire the Baroque architecture, but also to pay their respects at her resting place and see the stone where she is said to have sat, refusing to move until the nuns accepted her into the community. It is often visited on walking tours of Palma de Mallorca as a quiet counterpoint to the busier nearby squares.

History and Significance of the Church of Santa Magdalena
Things to See and Do in the Church of Santa Magdalena
How to Get to the Church of Santa Magdalena
Practical Tips on Visiting the Church of Santa Magdalena
Where to Stay close to the Church of Santa Magdalena
Is the Church of Santa Magdalena Worth Visiting
FAQs for Visiting Church of Santa Magdalena
Nearby Attractions to the Church of Santa Magdalena

History and Significance of the Church of Santa Magdalena

The origins of the Church of Santa Magdalena reach back to the 14th century, when a place of worship was first established beside the convent in what was then a growing medieval city. Over time, as Palma evolved under different rulers and styles, the church was rebuilt, culminating in the complete Baroque reconstruction of 1740. Although the structure was renewed, the designers preserved the original layout and spirit, creating the building you see today: richly shaped but not ostentatious, anchored firmly in its long history.

What sets Santa Magdalena apart from many other churches in Palma is its close association with Santa Catalina Tomàs. Orphaned young and brought up in her uncle's household, Catalina served as both maid and shepherdess, a far cry from the cloistered life she desired. From childhood she felt a powerful call to religious devotion. At just 12 years old she presented herself at the convent, asking to join the community; when turned away for being too young and poor, she is said to have sat resolutely on a particular stone outside and vowed not to move until she was admitted. That stone, carefully preserved, has become a kind of silent witness to her determination.

Catalina’s later life and eventual recognition as a mystic and saintly figure deepened the church’s spiritual importance. Stories of prophetic insight and visions surrounded her, and over time devotion to her grew far beyond the walls of the convent. With her remains housed here, Santa Magdalena became a place of pilgrimage for Mallorcans drawn by her example of humble, steadfast faith. Visiting the church today, you are stepping into a living tradition that continues to shape local religious identity, even as the city around it has become a modern Mediterranean capital.

Things to See and Do in the Church of Santa Magdalena

When you enter the church, slow down and let your eyes adjust to the softer light of the Baroque interior. Look for the characteristic elements of the period: richly worked altarpieces, curved lines, decorative side chapels and a sense of verticality that draws your gaze upwards. Although less famous than Palma Cathedral, Santa Magdalena's interior rewards careful attention, with details that feel more personal and contemplative than monumental.

Seek out the tomb and relics of Santa Catalina Tomàs, which are central to the church’s spiritual life. Many visitors pause here to reflect, light a candle or simply take in the atmosphere. Even if you are not religious, understanding how deeply Catalina’s story resonates with Mallorcans helps you appreciate why this church matters. Her journey from orphaned servant girl to revered mystic, rooted in stubborn faith and perseverance, is part of the island’s collective memory.

If possible, locate the stone where Catalina is said to have sat when she refused to leave until admitted to the convent. Whether you take the legend literally or see it as symbolic, it is a powerful image: a young girl who would not abandon her calling despite social and economic barriers. After your visit inside, step out into Plaça de Santa Magdalena and the surrounding streets. The area is compact and atmospheric, making it easy to combine Santa Magdalena with nearby churches, small plazas and cafés for a broader sense of Palma’s historic core.

How to Get to the Church of Santa Magdalena

The Church of Santa Magdalena is located at Plaça de Santa Magdalena in Palma's old town, within easy walking distance of other major landmarks such as the cathedral, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de Cort.

Most visitors to Palma arrive via Palma de Mallorca Airport, from where regular buses and taxis run into the city centre; from central drop-off points it is a short walk through the historic streets to reach the church and its adjoining convent. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Palma on Booking.com.

If you are staying elsewhere on Mallorca, you can travel by train to Palma's Estació Intermodal at Plaza de España from towns like Inca or Manacor, then walk or take a short city bus ride into the old town and follow signs or maps towards Plaça de Santa Magdalena. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

City buses and taxis circulate widely through the central districts, and many routes stop near Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Cort, from where it is a few minutes' walk to the church. If you are driving into Palma, it is best to park in one of the underground or edge-of-centre car parks and continue on foot, as the streets around Santa Magdalena are narrow and not designed for through traffic. If you are looking to rent a car in Spain I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Church of Santa Magdalena

Suggested tips: Plan your visit to Santa Magdalena as part of a wider old-town circuit, linking it with nearby squares, churches and cafés so you can experience both the spiritual and everyday sides of Palma.
Best time to visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon often provide a good balance between quiet interiors and open nearby shops; early evenings can be especially atmospheric if a service is taking place.
Entrance fee: Generally free to enter, though small donations for the upkeep of the church are appreciated.
Opening hours: Hours vary with services and seasons; churches in Palma typically open in the morning and late afternoon, with closures around lunchtime.
How long to spend: Allow 20-40 minutes to explore the interior, visit Catalina’s resting place, and spend a little time in Plaça de Santa Magdalena and the nearby streets.
Accessibility: Access usually involves a few steps at the entrance and some uneven flooring; visitors with limited mobility may wish to check ahead, but the compact interior helps minimise walking.
Facilities: There are no extensive visitor facilities inside; for restrooms, shops or cafés, use those in the surrounding streets and nearby plazas.
Photography tip: Be discreet and respectful if taking photos inside; capture details like altarpieces, side chapels and architectural lines, and then step outside for wider shots of the façade and the convent next door.
Guided tours: Some guided city walks include Santa Magdalena as part of a religious-heritage route; a guide can help bring Catalina’s story and the church’s Baroque features to life.
Nearby food options: Head towards Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Cort for a good choice of cafés, bakeries and small restaurants ideal for a coffee, snack or light meal after your visit.

Where to Stay close to the Church of Santa Magdalena

Staying in Palma's old town makes visiting Santa Magdalena easy, as you can stroll to the church in just a few minutes while also having the cathedral, Plaza Mayor and other key sights on your doorstep. For a characterful stay in a restored historic building, Boutique Hotel Posada Terra Santa offers intimate rooms and a calm atmosphere within walking distance of Plaça de Santa Magdalena. If you prefer a slightly livelier setting close to shops and restaurants, Hotel Almudaina sits near one of Palma’s main shopping avenues but still allows an easy walk into the old-town lanes leading to the church. Another appealing option is Hotel Basilica, a stylish hotel in a former manor house that places you between the waterfront and the historic centre, perfect for exploring both Santa Magdalena and the rest of Palma on foot.

Is the Church of Santa Magdalena Worth Visiting

The Church of Santa Magdalena is well worth seeking out if you are interested in Palma's quieter, more intimate sacred spaces and the stories behind them. Unlike the vast cathedral, this is a church on a more human scale, where the life of a single woman - Santa Catalina Tomàs - anchors the entire site. Her journey from orphaned servant to revered mystic gives the place a deeply personal resonance, turning a Baroque interior into something more than just stone and ornament.

For travellers, a visit here adds depth to your understanding of Mallorcan spirituality and history. You see how devotion, local legend and everyday hardship intertwine, and you experience a corner of the city where faith still shapes daily rhythms. As part of a broader exploration of Palma’s old town, Santa Magdalena offers a reflective pause and a reminder that some of the most meaningful places are not always the largest or the loudest.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.5 (201)

Convent de Santa Magdalena de Palma, located at Plaça de Santa Magdalena 2 in Palma, is a quiet, welcoming old church and convent praised by visitors as a pleasant hidden gem; guests mention a calm, spiritual atmosphere suited to meditation and prayer, and many recommend the nearby patisserie run by the nuns where traditional, preservative-free cakes are sold, though it can be hard to spot.

Andrea Kjeldsen

5 months ago

"Definitely worth a visit! :)"

Magdalena Marciniak

2 years ago

"The monastery itself is not much different from other sacral buildings in Mallorca. Some will probably appreciate its historical significance and itsassociation with the person of Saint Catalina. I particularly recommend the sensational patisserie run by the nuns! It is located right next to the convent and is unfortunately not very well marked. But you can buy delicious cakes there. Everything is prepared according to traditional recipes and without preservatives. Delicious!!!..."

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Christian Mueller

3 years ago

"Beautiful old church."

FAQs for Visiting Church of Santa Magdalena

It stands on Plaça de Santa Magdalena in the old town of Palma de Mallorca, next to the Convent of Santa Magdalena and within walking distance of major central squares.

Santa Catalina Tomàs was an orphaned girl who felt a strong religious calling from a young age, eventually becoming a nun and later revered for her mystic and prophetic qualities; the church is her final resting place and a centre of devotion to her.

Yes, the stone on which Catalina is said to have sat outside the convent, refusing to move until accepted, is preserved and can be viewed as part of a visit to the church.

As with most churches in Spain, modest dress is recommended: avoid very short shorts and bare shoulders, especially if you plan to attend a service or approach the altars.

For a simple visit during normal opening hours, no booking is usually required, but checking current hours and any restrictions in advance is sensible, especially around major religious festivals.

Nearby Attractions to the Church of Santa Magdalena

Palma Cathedral La Seu - The city's iconic Gothic cathedral overlooking the bay, just a short walk away and ideal to pair with a visit to Santa Magdalena.
Plaza Mayor - A lively central square lined with arcades, cafés and shops, perfect for a drink or snack after exploring the church and nearby streets.
Plaza de Cort - Historic civic square with the Town Hall and Palace of the Council of Mallorca, offering another glimpse into Palma's political and architectural heritage.
Arab Baths - A small but atmospheric 10th-century hammam ruin with a tranquil garden, giving insight into Palma's Islamic past.
Royal Palace of La Almudaina - Former royal residence beside the cathedral, blending Islamic and Gothic elements and providing fine views over the seafront.

The Church of Santa Magdalena appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Palma!

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