Oratori de Sant Feliu

Oratori de Sant Feliu is a small Gothic chapel tucked into the narrow streets of Palma de Mallorca's old town, one of the oldest surviving places of worship in the city.

How do you get there?

The oratory sits on Carrer de Sant Feliu, right in the heart of Palma's Old Town, just a short walk from La Seu Cathedral and Plaça Cort. Walking is really the only practical way to reach it, since most streets in this part of the historic centre are closed to regular traffic anyway. The nearest bus stops are around Plaça Cort and Avinguda Antoni Maura, both only a few minutes on foot from the chapel.

Where does this chapel come from?

The building's story starts in the 13th century, shortly after King James I of Aragon's conquest of Mallorca. Among the noblemen who backed the king during the campaign was the abbot of the Sant Feliu de Guíxols monastery in Catalonia. He funded a small church in Palma dedicated to the patron of his home abbey, the martyr Saint Felix (Catalan: Sant Fèlix). That origin makes Oratori de Sant Feliu one of the earliest surviving churches built in the city right after the Christian reconquest of the island.

What will you see inside and out?

The exterior still reads clearly as Gothic, with a slender bell tower and the understated but elegant detailing typical of Palma's earliest churches. The entrance doorway, however, isn't original — it was rebuilt in the 16th century in Renaissance style, creating an interesting contrast with the medieval interior behind it. Inside, look out for the original altar and the carefully carved Gothic columns. A gravestone from 1753 is set into the wall, commemorating Thomas Burguéz, knight of the Çaforteza family, who owned both the chapel and the adjoining Can Quint-Zaforteza townhouse.

The building's history goes beyond religious use. In 1662, a religious order took up temporary residence at the oratory before moving elsewhere. The chapel has not been used for regular worship for a long time now; today, the space and the adjoining premises are run by a contemporary art gallery that holds exhibitions here. That combination of medieval architecture and contemporary art is part of what draws both history buffs and art lovers to the site.

When is the best time to visit?

The exterior can be admired year-round, though spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) tend to be the most pleasant months, when Palma enjoys mild weather and the old town is quieter than during peak summer season. If you want to see the interior during an exhibition, check the gallery's opening hours in advance, since access depends on the current cultural programme rather than fixed visiting hours like a regular church would have.

A visit here pairs well with a stroll through the surrounding lanes, lined with townhouses featuring traditional Mallorcan balconies and small cafés where you can rest after sightseeing.

Frequently asked questions

Is Oratori de Sant Feliu still used as a church? No. The building hasn't served a religious function for a long time; it's currently run as a contemporary art gallery that hosts exhibitions on site.

How old is the building? The chapel dates back to the 13th century, built shortly after James I's conquest of Mallorca, making it one of the oldest churches in Palma.

Is entry free? Access depends on the current exhibition schedule of the gallery operating in the building, so it's worth checking current information locally or online before visiting.

What else is worth seeing nearby? The oratory is only a few minutes' walk from La Seu Cathedral, Plaça Cort, and other historic streets of Palma's Old Town, making it easy to combine with a wider tour of the historic centre.