La Porciúncula

La Porciúncula is a Franciscan monastery complex in Playa de Palma, part of Palma on Mallorca, best known for its striking church nicknamed the "glass church" (iglesia de cristal). The site combines an active religious community with a small museum and a piece of unusual mid-century architecture, making it an offbeat stop on the eastern side of Palma's bay.

Where does the name come from and what is its history?

The story begins in 1914, when a Franciscan friar proposed to his superiors that the order buy land in what is now Playa de Palma to build a new religious house. On 18 May 1915 a small community settled into a former hunter's lodge, and by 25 August that same year a modest chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels had already been blessed. That chapel was built to the exact same dimensions as the original Porziuncola chapel at Santa Maria degli Angeli in Assisi — which is where the whole complex takes its name. Ever since, the site has been run by the Franciscans of the Third Order Regular (TOR), who still live in the adjoining convent today.

What will you see inside?

The main draw is the Church of Our Lady of the Angels, built between 1964 and 1968 to a design by Mallorcan architect Josep Ferragut Pou. The building stands out for its circular (oval) floor plan, unusual for a religious structure, and for the thirty-nine stained-glass windows that cover nearly every wall, flooding the interior with coloured light — hence the "glass church" nickname. The concrete construction creates an open, column-free space inside. Next to the church is the Archaeological, Ethnological and Numismatic Museum, founded in 1965, which traces Mallorca's history from prehistoric times through to the rise of tourism on the island. The whole site sits among Mediterranean gardens and pine trees, with free parking available.

How do you get there?

The complex is located at Avinguda de Fra Joan Llabrés 1, in the Platja de Palma i Pla de Sant Jordi district — the resort strip of Playa de Palma — a short drive from both central Palma and the airport. Its position on a main road makes it easy to reach by car or by the local bus routes running along the coast.

When is the best time to visit?

Because of the stained glass, the interior looks its best on sunny days, when light streaming through the coloured panes paints shifting patterns across the walls and floor. Morning visits help you avoid crowds from nearby resort hotels, and travelling outside the peak summer season means a quieter look at both the church and the museum.

Frequently asked questions

Is La Porciúncula an active church? Yes, it remains home to an active Franciscan TOR community, and the church still serves religious functions while also welcoming visitors.

Why is it called the "glass church"? Because of the thirty-nine stained-glass windows covering its walls, which flood the interior with coloured light.

Is it worth combining with the museum? Yes — the adjoining archaeological and ethnological museum covers Mallorca's history from prehistory to the tourism era, making a natural complement to the church visit.

Is entry free? Visiting the church is usually free or requires only a small contribution toward its upkeep; since it is still an active religious site, it is worth checking opening hours on arrival.