Bellver Castle (Palma de Mallorca)
On the outskirts of Palma de Mallorca, about 3 kilometres away, is Bellver Castle, a spectacular Gothic defensive fortification dating from the 14th century. It was built between 1300 and 1311 by order of James II of Mallorca, under the command of the famous architect Pere Salvà, who also designed Almudaina Palace.
This castle was located on top of a 112-meter hill and completely surrounded by forests. This made it ideal for observing all the surroundings and thus protecting the port, the city, the Llano de Mallorca and the Tramuntana Mountains. Its views are so spectacular that its name means “beautiful view” in ancient Catalan.
One of the great attractions of this castle is that it is one of the few in Europe with a circular plan. Also, it is the oldest that exists of this type.
Its circular design, protected by two moats, is supported by attached circular towers, like its Tower of Homage, also circular but separated from the architectural complex. This circular structure was designed to provide a 360-degree defensive view of the surrounding area and also house the royal court of James II of Mallorca.
Other notable details are its cistern curb, built in the centre of the circular patio to take advantage of the underground cistern, as well as the floors built around the central patio, which communicate with each other through spectacular Gothic arches.
It is one of the most interesting and attractive heritage monuments in Palma de Mallorca and one of the most visited by tourists and visitors, not only because of its beauty and historical richness but also because the castle is the headquarters of the Palma de Mallorca History Museum.
This castle was located on top of a 112-meter hill and completely surrounded by forests. This made it ideal for observing all the surroundings and thus protecting the port, the city, the Llano de Mallorca and the Tramuntana Mountains. Its views are so spectacular that its name means “beautiful view” in ancient Catalan.
One of the great attractions of this castle is that it is one of the few in Europe with a circular plan. Also, it is the oldest that exists of this type.
Its circular design, protected by two moats, is supported by attached circular towers, like its Tower of Homage, also circular but separated from the architectural complex. This circular structure was designed to provide a 360-degree defensive view of the surrounding area and also house the royal court of James II of Mallorca.
Other notable details are its cistern curb, built in the centre of the circular patio to take advantage of the underground cistern, as well as the floors built around the central patio, which communicate with each other through spectacular Gothic arches.
It is one of the most interesting and attractive heritage monuments in Palma de Mallorca and one of the most visited by tourists and visitors, not only because of its beauty and historical richness but also because the castle is the headquarters of the Palma de Mallorca History Museum.
Location
What to see in Palma de Mallorca
