Capilla del Santísimo, Catedral de Palma, Gothic chapel in Palma Cathedral, Spain

The Capilla del Santísimo is a Gothic chapel at the head of Palma Cathedral, covered almost entirely by a polychrome ceramic mural that Miquel Barceló made between 2001 and 2006. The roughly 300 m² wall depicts the seabed, with a human-shaped mould at the centre representing the resurrection of Christ, and relief figures of fish, octopuses and bread. Five 12-metre grisaille windows and liturgical furniture in Binissalem stone complete the work.

The chapel's present appearance results from a project approved in 2001 and completed in 2006, when Miquel Barceló covered its walls with a polychrome ceramic mural of about 300 m². The commission was decided by the episcopal authorities and drew opposition from some Mallorcans, as had Joan Miró's earlier work. Barceló, who publicly described himself as anticlerical and non-believing, also added five 12-metre grisaille windows and liturgical furniture in Binissalem stone.

The mural takes its subject from the Gospel miracle of the loaves and fishes, which Barceló sets on the seabed; the bread and fish of the story are recreated on the chapel walls. The figures are in relief, as in his paintings of the 1980s, giving a three-dimensional effect. A dented moray eel with a threatening gesture is one detail visitors single out.

The chapel is accessible during cathedral opening hours and is best visited as part of a cathedral tour. Allow time to examine the ceramic details and windows up close, as many visitors overlook this artistic installation.

The mural's figures are in relief, as in many of Barceló's paintings from the 1980s, giving the wall a three-dimensional effect. Look for the threatening gesture of a toothy Mediterranean moray eel, octopuses that seem to move and fruit painted to look fresh. The commission was controversial: Barceló called himself anticlerical and a non-believer, which upset many on the island.