Bellver Castle is one of the most iconic monuments in Palma de Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands, Spain. Its name means “castle with a beautiful view”, and it lives up to its name thanks to its privileged location on a hill about 112 meters above sea level, offering spectacular panoramic views of the city of Palma, its bay, and the surrounding area.
Main features:
- Unique architecture:
Bellver Castle is famous for its circular layout, something very uncommon among European castles. This makes it unique in Spain and rare in the rest of Europe. It features a central tower (the donjon), a circular courtyard, and three smaller towers connected by walls. - Construction:
It was built in the early 14th century (between 1300 and 1311) by order of King James II of Mallorca, in Catalan Gothic style. - Historical uses:
Over the centuries, the castle has had various uses:- Royal residence
- Military fortress
- Prison (it held historical figures such as Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos)
- Museum today
- City History Museum:
Today, the castle houses the History Museum of Palma, with permanent exhibitions covering the city’s history from Roman times to the present.
Fun facts:
- Its circular shape has sparked architectural curiosity and inspiration.
- It was used as a prison during the War of Spanish Succession and the Napoleonic Wars.
- It has been carefully restored and preserved, becoming one of Mallorca’s top tourist attractions.
To check all this information, we invite you to Mallorca! 🌞🏰🏝️🌅
