Convent of San Francisco, Palma
Convent in Palma
Hidden just a few streets away from Palma's busier plazas, the Convent of San Francisco is one of the top attractions in Palma de Mallorca for travellers who love medieval architecture, peaceful cloisters and deep layers of history. First built in 1232 and remodelled in 1281, this Franciscan complex has seen royal vows, monastic life and centuries of worship within its walls. From the outside, its Gothic church and later Baroque façade feel solid and serene; step inside and you are surrounded by stone, silence and stories.
The church's single Gothic nave, ringed by eight side chapels and a polygonal apse, creates an intimate yet impressive space, where later chapels from the 15th to 17th centuries add richness and variety. Inside you will find a beautiful Gothic retable from the 1400s and, beside the presbytery, the tomb of Ramon Llull, the Majorcan writer, philosopher and Franciscan tertiary whose mysterious death has inspired legends across the centuries. Outside, the adjoining cloister, with its elegant columns and buttresses, is a great place to visit on a walking tour of Palma de Mallorca if you want a moment of calm in the heart of the city.
Table of Contents
- History and Significance of the Convent of San Francisco
- Things to See and Do in the Convent of San Francisco
- How to Get to the Convent of San Francisco
- Practical Tips on Visiting the Convent of San Francisco
- Where to Stay close to the Convent of San Francisco
- Is the Convent of San Francisco Worth Visiting
- FAQs for Visiting Convent of San Francisco
- Nearby Attractions to the Convent of San Francisco
History and Significance of the Convent of San Francisco
The story of the Convent of San Francisco begins in 1232, when the Franciscans established a community in what was then a newly Christianised city following the Catalan conquest. Less than fifty years later, in 1281, the complex underwent a major remodelling that shaped much of what you see today. Its importance grew quickly: in the 13th century, Jacques de Mallorca, son of King James II of Mallorca, took his religious vows here, marking the convent as a place closely connected with the island's ruling family as well as its spiritual life.
Architecturally, the church is a textbook example of Gothic design adapted to Mallorcan conditions. A single tall nave leads the eye towards a polygonal apse, while eight side chapels open off the main space, some dating from the 13th and 14th centuries, others added between 1445 and 1670. This layering makes the interior feel like a timeline in stone, where different periods of piety and patronage sit side by side. The 15th-century Gothic retable inside the convent is another reminder of the wealth of devotion and craftsmanship that flowed through these walls during the late Middle Ages.
The 17th century brought significant changes to the church's exterior. Under the direction of Francisco de Herrera, the façade was rebuilt in a more Baroque style, while retaining the original Gothic portal. The round stained-glass window and front decoration were crafted by the glazier Pere Comas, adding light and colour to the otherwise sober frontage. The cloister, built between the 17th and 18th centuries, expanded the complex and completed its transformation into one of the best-preserved ensembles of medieval and early modern religious architecture in Palma de Mallorca.
Things to See and Do in the Convent of San Francisco
Begin your visit in the main church, where the single Gothic nave immediately sets a reverent tone. The high, simple lines overhead contrast with the more ornate side chapels, each with its own altarpiece, sculptures or decorative features. Walking slowly from chapel to chapel, you can trace stylistic changes from early Gothic to later Baroque, noticing how tastes and techniques evolved over the course of three centuries.
Do not miss the 15th-century Gothic retable, a highlight for anyone interested in medieval religious art. Its detailed carving and painted panels offer a glimpse into how faith was taught visually to congregations long before widespread literacy. Close by, look for the tomb of Ramon Llull beside the presbytery on the left. Llull was a polymath and pioneer of logic and philosophy whose writings spread far beyond Mallorca; his burial here adds intellectual weight to the convent’s spiritual significance and makes this spot particularly meaningful for visitors aware of his legacy.
After exploring the church, step into the cloister, built between the 17th and 18th centuries. The squared courtyard, framed by elegant columns and supported by buttresses, is an ideal place to pause and savour the quiet, with only the sound of footsteps and the murmur of the city beyond the walls. From here, you can appreciate how the friars would have moved between church, convent and garden, living a rhythm of prayer, study and daily work. Take time to notice the play of light and shadow along the arcades and the way the architecture encloses space without feeling oppressive; it is this atmosphere that makes the Convent of San Francisco one of the best places to visit in Palma de Mallorca if you are drawn to contemplative corners.
How to Get to the Convent of San Francisco
The Convent of San Francisco is located in Palma's historic centre, within walking distance of the cathedral, Plaza Mayor and other key landmarks, making it easy to include on a day of exploring the old town.
Most visitors arrive on the island via Palma de Mallorca Airport, from where frequent buses and taxis connect to the city centre; once in the old town, you can walk along narrow historic streets following signs or a map to reach the convent at Plaça de Sant Francesc. 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, trains from inland towns such as Inca or Manacor arrive at Palma's Estació Intermodal in Plaza de España. From there, it is a pleasant 10-15 minute walk into the historic core, or a short ride on a city bus towards the cathedral area, followed by a brief walk through the old streets to the convent. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
City buses and taxis serve the surrounding area well, and stops near the cathedral, Plaza Mayor or Plaza de Cort put you just a few minutes on foot from the Convent of San Francisco. Drivers can follow the main approaches into Palma and park in one of the underground or edge-of-centre car parks, then continue on foot through the pedestrian-friendly old town to the convent, as the immediate streets are narrow and not ideal for navigating by car. 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 Convent of San Francisco
- Suggested tips: Combine the Convent of San Francisco with visits to the nearby cathedral, Plaza Mayor and surrounding churches for a rich overview of Palma's religious and civic history in a compact area.
- Best time to visit: Late morning or mid-afternoon tend to offer a good balance of open hours and quieter interiors; early evenings can be atmospheric if services or events are taking place.
- Entrance fee:
- Opening hours:
- How long to spend: Allow 45-60 minutes to see the nave, side chapels, Ramon Llull’s tomb, the retable and the cloister without rushing.
- Accessibility: Expect some uneven flooring and steps, especially between church and cloister; access for visitors with limited mobility can be partial, so check ahead if this is a concern.
- Facilities: On-site facilities are minimal; for restrooms, cafés and shops, use those in the nearby streets and main squares such as Plaza Mayor.
- Photography tip: Capture the height and simplicity of the Gothic nave from the back of the church, then move into the cloister for atmospheric shots of arches, columns and light filtering into the courtyard.
- Guided tours: Consider a guided old-town tour that includes the convent if you want more context on Franciscan history, Ramon Llull and the architectural evolution of the complex.
- Nearby food options: The lanes around the convent are dotted with small cafés, bakeries and tapas bars, making it easy to combine your visit with a coffee stop or light meal.
Where to Stay close to the Convent of San Francisco
Staying in Palma's old town puts the Convent of San Francisco just a short stroll from your door and makes it easy to explore other historic sights on foot. For a boutique experience in a lovingly restored historic building, Boutique Hotel Posada Terra Santa offers characterful rooms and a tranquil atmosphere within walking distance of the convent. If you prefer to be closer to the main shopping streets while still near the old churches, Hotel Almudaina provides comfortable accommodation and easy access to both the historic centre and modern amenities. Another appealing option is Hotel Basilica, set in a former manor house and ideal for travellers who want to wander from the waterfront up through the old streets to sights like the Convent of San Francisco.
Is the Convent of San Francisco Worth Visiting
The Convent of San Francisco is absolutely worth including in your Palma itinerary, especially if you are drawn to medieval churches, quiet cloisters and places with deep spiritual roots. Its Gothic nave, layered side chapels and 15th-century retable offer plenty to admire architecturally, while the presence of Ramon Llull's tomb adds a powerful intellectual and historical dimension.
Unlike some larger, more crowded sites, the convent often feels calm and reflective, making it a rewarding stop when you need a break from busy streets and seafront promenades. As part of Palma’s broader network of historic churches and convents, it helps you see how religious orders shaped the city’s layout, culture and learning over many centuries. For travellers who value atmosphere and authenticity, it is a memorable and quietly moving place to visit.
What Other Travellers Say...
Basílica de Sant Francesc, on Plaça de Sant Francesc 7 in Palma, is a gothic church and convent with a baroque façade; visitors praise its peaceful, richly detailed interior and especially the serene cloister courtyard with colonnades. Many describe it as a quieter, worthwhile alternative to busier sights, though note there is a paid entrance (and some recommend a pass that covers multiple sites).
FAQs for Visiting Convent of San Francisco
Nearby Attractions to the Convent of San Francisco
- Palma Cathedral La Seu - The city's iconic Gothic cathedral overlooking the bay, just a short walk away and ideal to pair with a convent visit.
- Plaza Mayor - A lively central square lined with arcades, cafés and shops, perfect for a drink or snack after exploring the convent.
- Plaza de Cort - Historic civic square with the Town Hall and Palace of the Council of Mallorca, showcasing Palma's political and architectural heritage.
- Arab Baths - A small but atmospheric 10th-century hammam ruin with a tranquil garden, offering insight into Palma's Islamic past.
- Royal Palace of La Almudaina - A former royal residence beside the cathedral, blending Islamic and Gothic architecture with fine views over the waterfront.
The Convent of San Francisco appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Palma!
Moira & Andy
Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!
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