Seminari Vell

Seminari Vell is one of the quieter historic complexes tucked into the old town of Palma de Mallorca — the former seat of the city's diocesan seminary, standing near the Sant Jeroni church in the oldest part of town. It rarely makes the standard sightseeing lists, but its neogothic chapel is a small surprise for anyone who walks past the right corner.

Where is it, exactly?

The complex sits in Palma's historic quarter, close to Plaça de Sant Jeroni, one of the calmer pockets of the old town. Expect narrow lanes, stone facades and a cluster of ecclesiastical buildings typical of this part of the city — a short walk from the cathedral but well off the main tourist flow.

What's actually worth looking at?

The centerpiece is the seminary chapel, built in the second half of the 19th century in neogothic style. Its main facade features a portico with three pointed (ogival) arches under a ribbed vault ceiling, a hallmark of the neogothic revival's nod to medieval church design. Above the main portal stands a carved figure of Saint Peter, the work of sculptor Lluís Font i Martorell — the detail most visitors notice first, and the one that gives the whole facade its character.

Is it still used as a place of worship?

No. The chapel has been out of religious use for some time, and its state of conservation is described as precarious, requiring significant restoration work. No specific renovation project has been announced so far, which leaves the building among Palma's examples of heritage sites waiting for attention.

What happened to the seminary itself?

Historically, Seminari Vell served as the seat of the Palma Seminary, where clergy for the diocese of Mallorca trained. Over time, that role moved elsewhere, with seminarians eventually relocating toward the Sanctuary of Lluc. The Diocese of Mallorca has confirmed the old complex is not for sale — today it houses the Casa de la Església, an administrative office tied to the local Church's activities.

Why stop here at all?

Seminari Vell rewards travelers looking for something beyond Palma's usual postcard shots — a piece of 19th-century religious architecture that hasn't been polished up for tourism. Wandering toward Plaça de Sant Jeroni reveals a quieter side of the old town, one with carved details easy to miss if you stick to the main route.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside Seminari Vell? The building is no longer used for worship and its conservation state is uncertain, so interior access can be limited — it's worth checking locally before planning a visit.

Who carved the Saint Peter figure on the facade? The sculpture above the main portal is the work of Lluís Font i Martorell, part of the chapel built in the second half of the 19th century.

Is this still an active seminary? No — clergy training moved elsewhere, and the former complex now houses the Casa de la Església, an office linked to the Diocese of Mallorca.

Will the building be sold or redeveloped? The Diocese of Mallorca has stated the complex is not for sale, though no concrete restoration plan has been announced yet.