Castell de Bellver
About
Bellver Castle, or Castell de Bellver, rises 3 km west of Palma on a commanding hill overlooking the city and the Mediterranean. Constructed in 1311 under King James II of Majorca, the fortress is one of Europe’s few true circular keeps, featuring a sweeping central courtyard, three semi‑circular towers, a surrounding moat, and a prominent donjon. After serving as a royal residence and, later, a political prison from the 18th to the mid‑20th century, the castle was transferred to the city of Palma in 1931 and opened as the municipal History Museum in 1932. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s preserved architecture and climb to the upper balconies for unrivalled panoramic views of Palma and the sea. Inside the vaulted courtyard, the museum’s galleries chronicle Palma’s history from pre‑historic times to the present, with multimedia displays and rotating exhibitions. Nearby stands the 19th‑century Chapel of Saint Alphonsus Rodriguez, a quiet place of reflection surrounded by lush parkland. A visit to Bellver Castle offers a unique blend of medieval military design, royal heritage, and cultural storytelling—an essential experience for anyone wishing to understand the islands’ rich past and its enduring links to the broader Spanish and Mediterranean world.
Highlights
- Circular Castle Design
- Central Courtyard
- Museum of Urban History
- Chapel of Saint Alphonsus
- Panoramic City Views
Must-See Areas
Pros & Cons
What visitors love
- Historic Architecture
- Guided Tours
Things to consider
- Limited Audio Guides