Bellver Castle in Palma de Mallorca: history, interesting facts and what to see
If there is one monument that symbolises the history, power and best views of Palma de Mallorca, it is Bellver Castle. Perched on a hill 112 metres above sea level and surrounded by a large forest, this 14th-century castle is one of the most unique in Europe thanks to its spectacular circular layout.
But Bellver is not just a medieval fortress. Over more than 700 years, it has served as a royal residence, a prison, a museum and the setting for some of the most significant events in the history of Mallorca.
In this article, we’ll explore its origins, its architecture, the legends surrounding it and why it remains one of the must-see attractions in Palma.
What does Bellver mean?
The name Bellver roughly translates as ‘Good Views’, as its location on a promontory offers spectacular views over the city of Palma.
Why is Bellver Castle unique in Europe?
Medieval castles are usually square in plan. But Bellver Castle stands out for its circular layout, which makes it very special and almost unique in Europe. It also has three semi-circular towers, each facing a cardinal point. The fourth tower, facing north, is larger and stands slightly apart. This is the keep.
The central courtyard is also circular, and the entire complex is surrounded by a deep moat and a perimeter wall for better defence.
It seems that when it was built, the interiors were very richly decorated with paintings, gold leaf, stucco, polychrome woodwork, and colourful walls featuring floral and geometric patterns.
Who commissioned it and when?
The king who wrested Mallorca from the Muslims (James I in 1229) was succeeded by his son, King James II. The latter had disputes with the King of Aragon, but once these were resolved, James II wanted the Kingdom of Mallorca to have a symbol of power and strength: an impressive castle.
It seems that work began in the year 1300, and that it took only 12 years to complete. It is estimated that between 100 and 200 workers laboured daily under the guidance of the architect Pere Salvat. Men and women, Christians and Muslims, slaves and free men, all worked and strove to carry out the king’s project.
Where did the building materials come from?
The vast majority from very close by… for the mountain on which the castle stands was excavated and hollowed out as if by termites. The underground quarries are still there, with passages stretching up to 250 metres, turning the whole place into a mysterious labyrinth steeped in stories and legends.
History and interesting facts about Bellver Castle
It stands to reason that, over more than 700 years of history, the stones of this castle have witnessed many events… here are some of them (by year):
1349 – Imprisonment of Queen Violante, her son James, and all those loyal to King James III
1395 – King John I of Aragon took refuge in the castle, fleeing the plague in Barcelona.
1521 – The castle was stormed and taken by the ‘agermanats’ (Revolt of the Germanías).
18th to 20th centuries – On various occasions, it served as a civil, military or war prison. The famous writer Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos was imprisoned for six years in Bellver. Many of Napoleon’s French soldiers were also held there following the Battle of Bailén and their defeat in 1808. Likewise, many Republican supporters were imprisoned there when the Civil War broke out in 1936.
What is there to see at Bellver Castle?
The first thing that will impress you are the extraordinary views over the Bay of Palma, but once inside, you’ll be struck by the enormous moat that surrounds it and the castle’s excellent condition—it’s perfectly preserved. The circular courtyard is truly special, and events are often held there, particularly presentations or concerts.
Since 1976, the castle has housed the Museum of the History of the City of Palma, but for the more adventurous, the highlight will be the guided tour of the caves and galleries beneath the castle. A truly fascinating and mysterious underworld.
What else is there to see near Bellver Castle?
When you come down from the castle, you’ll be quite close to the city centre, so we recommend popping over to see Palma Cathedral, the Lonja and the narrow streets of the old town. After this tour, choose a terrace you like to have a drink and enjoy the leisurely pace of life in the Mediterranean.
Discovering Mallorca also means discovering its local produce
Bellver Castle is an integral part of Mallorca’s history and cultural identity. And that same tradition lives on today in many of the island’s traditional products: artisan cured meats, traditional sweets, ceramics, liqueurs and goods made by small local producers.
If you’re keen to experience the most authentic side of Mallorca, you can discover a selection of traditional Mallorcan products here. Discover the best gourmet products from Mallorca
Read our article on the kings of Mallorca, where we talk about Jaime II of Mallorca, who was responsible for the construction of this castle: The Kingdom of Mallorca and its kings