Castell de Bellver in Palma de Mallorca
On a wooded hill near Palma de Mallorca lies the Castell de Bellver, a castle dating back to the 14th century. Its unique round tower is the only one of its kind in all of Spain. The castle is clearly visible from the sea and from all over the city. Apart from the cathedral, the fortress, which has been converted into a museum , is the most famous landmark of Palma. The spectacular panoramic view from the castle over the forests, the entire city to the marina and the sea is the highlight of every visit.
Castell de Bellver: from royal fortress to prison
King Jaume II had the picturesque castle built in 1300 on the Puig de Sa Mesquida, which lies 112 metres above sea level. It was completed within 10 years. The castle was originally intended as a royal residence, but proved to be unpopular. Only King Sanç and then Queen Joan I of Aragon moved into the castle for a short time. In 1717, the fortress was converted into a military prison and later used as such both in the Napoleonic War and in the Spanish Civil War. The thick walls of the Castell de Bellver, which were originally intended to keep enemies away, were then used to enclose them. The inscriptions of the prisoners carved into the masonry can still be seen on the roof of the fortress.
Picturesque Gothic-style courtyard
The most striking feature of the castle is its round shape, which represents an architectural peculiarity both from the outside and from the inside. The surrounding wall and the inner courtyard are just as circular as the three smaller towers and the castle keep. A moat surrounds the entire fortress.
When you enter the lovely annular courtyard, you can sense the special atmosphere. It is pleasantly cool here, even on hot summer days. A fountain is found at its centre, which indicates the presence of a cistern underneath. The castle is built as a two-storey building around the central courtyard. All surrounding buildings of the castle are connected to this courtyard by a gallery of Gothic arches. The courtyard is now the setting for a variety of festive events, concerts and cultural events. Since the 1990s, the castle has been a popular location for civil weddings.
Palma’s History Museum in the Castell de Bellver
The Museu d'Història de la Ciutat (Museum of the History of the City) on the ground floor traces the development of the city from prehistoric times to the present day. In addition to Roman and Arabic ceramics, the museum displays informative panels, the classic statues of the Despuig collection and other artifacts. Upstairs you’ll find a number of mostly empty rooms, including the former kitchen. The entrance fee includes a visit to the roof, from which there is a breath-taking view of the Balearic capital Palma de Mallorca. Admission costs four euros for adults. Children under the age of 14 may enter free of charge. A small café is available for refreshments.
How to get to Castell de Bellver by bus, car or e-bike
The open-top bus from Palma City Sightseeing travels up to the castle on its round trips through Palma. In addition to a rental car or taxi, this bus offers the most convenient way to get to the castle. The public bus lines 3, 46 or 50 only go to Plaça de Gomila, from where you have to walk up a steep hill for about 15 minutes. If you are traveling by car, you can drive up to the parking lot in front of the fortress and park your vehicle there.
The Castell de Bellver is a popular destination for e-bike or hiking tours in Mallorca. Especially the way back, downhill through the forests, is highly recommended. If you go up by bus, you can walk back and reach the city centre of Palma de Mallorca in just half an hour.
Discover the Castell de Bellver in Palma de Mallorca
Perched on a wooded hill near Palma de Mallorca, the Castell de Bellver is a majestic 14th-century castle. Its distinctive round tower is the only one of its kind in all of Spain. The castle, which has been converted into a museum, is a popular landmark in Palma, second only to the cathedral. Its location offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city, the marina, and the sea. This view is, without a doubt, the highlight of every visit.
The Transition of Castell de Bellver
King Jaume II commissioned the construction of this picturesque castle in 1300 on the Puig de Sa Mesquida, a hill standing 112 meters above sea level. Although initially intended as a royal residence, the castle was not popular among the royals. It was only occupied for a short time by King San and Queen Joan I of Aragon. In 1717, the fortress was converted into a military prison, a role it played during the Napoleonic War and the Spanish Civil War. The thick walls of the Castell de Bellver, initially designed to keep enemies out, were then used to keep them in.
The Remarkable Architecture of the Castle
The castle’s round shape is its most striking architectural feature. The surrounding wall, the inner courtyard, and the three smaller towers are all circular, as is the castle keep. A moat surrounds the entire fortress. The central courtyard is a lovely, circular space that remains cool even on hot summer days. The courtyard, now a venue for various events, concerts, and cultural activities, is connected to all the surrounding buildings of the castle by a gallery of Gothic arches.
Experience History at the Castell de Bellver in Palma de Mallorca
The Museu d’Història de la Ciutat, located on the ground floor of the castle, traces the city’s development from prehistoric times to the present day. The museum exhibits include Roman and Arabic ceramics, informative panels, the classic statues of the Despuig collection, and other artifacts. The entrance fee, which is four euros for adults and free for children under the age of 14, includes a visit to the roof for a stunning view of Palma de Mallorca. After exploring the castle, visitors can relax and enjoy refreshments at a small café on the premises.