Gothic sacraments

This is an image from my visit to the Cathedral de Mallorca in Palma city in February.

Technically, I was being rather naughty taking this image, but I couldn’t help it when it came to this startling section of the Cathedral, which is the Chapel of the Holy Sacrament.

I have a thing for massive, elaborate Gothic churches. It goes back to my time studying art in school. We had a section called History of Art, which I loved, and that’s where I learned about Gothic architecture. The Cathedral in Palma has to be one of the most outstanding examples of Gothic cathedrals I’ve ever been in.

In Spain the tradition seems to favour lower lighting in churches and utterly baroque decorations. They seem to believe that lavish and gold is the best sign of adoration.

This section of the otherwise-typical Gothic cathedral is a surreal, new addition. It was designed by Mallorcan artist Miquel Barceló, and inauguarated in 2007.

Frankly, from my perspective, it looks like part of one of those bizarre churches that Lovecraft talks about, where cultists that venerate ancient, nameless entities come to sing praise.

I admire the vision of asking an artist to add a modern section to an older church. This style is certainly not one that would be well received in Ireland.

It has a mesmeric quality. Many people stood around this area and just gazed upon
it.

I certainly won’t forget it…