Bellver Castle
Bellver Castle crowns a pine-forested hill 3 kilometres west of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and is one of the very few circular castles in Europe — and reputedly the oldest. Built between 1300 and 1311 for King James II of Majorca by master mason Pere Salvà, it features a circular inner courtyard, a circular curtain wall, and a free-standing round donjon connected to the main body by a high arch. The name means 'beautiful view' in medieval Catalan, and the panorama over the Bay of Palma justifies it.
After serving as a royal residence, the castle became a prison for centuries; during the Spanish Civil War it held around 800 Republican prisoners, who were put to work building the access road. Since 1932 it has housed Palma's Museum of History.
Visitor information
- Location
- Palma, Mallorca
- Country
- Spain
- Tier
- B (Great castles)
- Coordinates
- 39.5637, 2.6193
- Official site
- http://castelldebellver.palma.cat
Frequently asked questions
- Where is Bellver Castle?
- Bellver Castle is in Palma, Mallorca, Spain (approximately 39.5637, 2.6193).
- Can you visit Bellver Castle?
- Yes — Bellver Castle is open to visitors; see the official site at http://castelldebellver.palma.cat for hours and tickets.
- What tier is Bellver Castle on the Castle Atlas?
- Bellver Castle is rated B tier on the Castle Atlas — Great castles.
- What can you see at Bellver Castle?
- Bellver Castle crowns a pine-forested hill 3 kilometres west of Palma de Mallorca, Spain, and is one of the very few circular castles in Europe — and reputedly the oldest. Built between 1300 and 1311 for King James II of Majorca by master mason Pere Salvà, it features a circular inner courtyard, a circular curtain wall, and a free-standing round donjon connected to the main body by a high arch. The name means 'beautiful view' in medieval Catalan, and the panorama over the Bay of Palma justifies it.