Category: Gothic

Category: Gothic

Royal Palace of La Almudaina

La Almudaina

Royal Palace of La Almudaina – updated 23 January 2023.

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is a magnificent fortress located in the heart of Palma, the capital of Majorca. Originally built as an Arab fortress in the 13th century, the palace has been expanded and renovated over the centuries and now serves as a royal residence. Visitors can explore the palace's impressive courtyards, grand halls, and opulent bedrooms.

The palace also boasts beautiful gardens, which offer panoramic views of the city and the sea. Inside, you can admire the richly decorated interiors, including the throne room, the chapel and the impressive collection of tapestries and ceramics. The palace is a must-see for history buffs and anyone interested in the island's rich cultural heritage. Don't miss the chance to step back in time and explore this grand palace on your next trip to Majorca.

Royal Palace La Almudaina

Roman Fort

A long time before the Moors arrived in the 10th century, the site had been utilised by both the Talaiots and the Romans and the area was once home to a Roman fort.

King of Spain

Symbolically, the King of Spain still resides here; however, it is unlikely that you will see him there with the exception of an occasional important ceremony, the Royals prefer to spend summer in the Palau Marivent (in Cala Major) instead. In fact, since King Jaume III died in 1349, no king has lived in La Almudaina on a permanent basis.

Balearics military command

Remodelled in the Levantine Gothic style by the Christians, The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is located opposite the magnificent Palma Cathedral, La Seu. Its elevated position has provided the palace with protection and strategic importance over the years and the building still serves as the Balearics military command.

Scenic views

Today, the palace is one of the capital's main attractions and tourists can enjoy incredible, scenic views overlooking the Bay of Palma in addition to exploring the inside of the palace and its numerous rooms.

Interior

Whilst exploring the interior of the palace, you will find three grand rooms with bricked-in-Gothic arches that have been cut off in the middle, they were once double their height and would have formed a vast hall. These rooms have been luxuriously decorated and furnished with period pieces and tapestries.

Courtyard

Within the main courtyard, you will find the 11th century lion fountain and the entrance to St Anne’s Chapel. This Chapel was built for the Queen at the beginning of the 14th century, as was St. James’s Chapel, which was for the use of the King.

Royal apartments

The grand staircase takes you up to the royal apartments with beautiful timber ceilings and lavishly appointed rooms, which are worth seeing as many of the palace rooms are completely bare.

Joan Miro

Beneath the palace are the S'Hort del Rei gardens which are a great place to sit, relax and watch the world go by. Look out for Joan Miro's Egg sculpture and the Arc de la Drassana, once the gateway to the royal docks.

Getting there

If you are staying in Palma, it's a short walk or public bus ride to the Royal Palace. There are also plenty parking spaces in front of the Cathedral along the Paseo Marítimo.

The palace is open from 10am – 4pm Tuesday to Friday (closed on Monday) and 10am – 6pm on weekends and public holidays.

Visitors can explore the grand rooms and apartments, and the chapel, at their leisure. See the opulent art, tapestries and furniture, then wander through the tranquil gardens.

BOOK TICKETS NOW

Free entrance: Wednesday all day and Sunday from 3pm to 6pm.

Further information can be found on the official website – patrimonionacional.es

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Things to do in Palma

Bellver Castle

Bellver Castle, Palma

Bellver Castle – updated 23 January 2023.

Bellver Castle is a 14th century Gothic-style castle located in the city of Palma on the island of Majorca, Spain. Built by King James II of Mallorca, it is one of the few circular castles in Europe and offers stunning views of the city and the Mediterranean Sea. The castle has a rich history, having served as a royal residence, a prison, and a military academy. Today, it is open to the public and is a popular tourist attraction, offering guided tours, cultural events and exhibitions. With its unique architecture and panoramic views, Bellver Castle is a must-see for any visitor to Palma.

Bellver Castle Palma

Round Castle

Surrounded by fragrant pine woods, the castle is unique in design and is Spain’s only round castle. Now a renowned Palma landmark located at the top of the hill Puig de Sa Mesquida, the former grand fortress and Catalan Gothic masterpiece attracts visitors by the hundreds who come to admire the architecture, the views and visit the interesting ground-floor museum.

Pere Salva

King Jaume II gave the order for Bellver Castle to be built back in 1300 and the job was given to Pere Salva, the architect who designed the Almudaina Palace (The Royal Palace).

Bellver Castle Mallorca

Three towers

Bellver has three large towers surrounding a two-level central courtyard and a moat. You’ll see a contrast of architectural design as you explore the castle ranging from Gothic arches to rib-vaulting to semi-circular arches. The best way to see these contrasts is to look down at the courtyard from the roof.

Royal Residence

The castle was built to serve as a royal residence; however, with the exception of residencies by King Sanç and Joan I of Aragon, the building has spent more time as a prison than a home. Bellver Castle has hosted many prisoners over the years including King Jaume IV & King Jaume III’s widow and sons and has been used as a penal institution during both the Napoleonic and Spanish Civil wars and World War II. If you visit the roof of the castle, you can see prisoners’ graffiti, carved into the stonework.

Museum

On the ground floor is Palma’s museum of municipal history (Museu d’Història de la Ciutat) which follows the development of the city from the prehistoric Talayotic civilisation to the present day via its artefacts including pottery from Talaiotic, Roman, Arab and Spanish periods and classical statues from the Despuig Collection.

Classical music concerts

The central courtyard is the stage for a series of classical music concerts performed by the Balearic Symphony Orchestra each July. These open-air evening concerts are very popular.

Getting there

The best way to get to Bellver Castle is via car, there is parking available, alternatively combine your visit with the Palma City Sightseeing open-top bus, which stops at the castle as part of its circuit. If you use public transport, then the closest you will get is Plaça de Gomila, from there it is a 15 minute, 1km walk up a steep hill.

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Old Town Palma

Palma Old Town

Old Town – updated 13 February 2023.

Old Town Palma in Majorca is a stunningly beautiful historic district located in the capital city of Palma on the Spanish island of Majorca. This area is steeped in history and is home to some of the most impressive architecture in the region. Whether you are interested in learning about the history of the area or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the bustling city, Old Town Palma is a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Majorca.

Palma tourist information - Old Town

Unique culture & architecture

The district is surrounded by ancient walls and is home to numerous landmarks that have been preserved for centuries. The area is a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the unique culture and architecture of the island. One of the most famous landmarks in Old Town Palma is the Palma Cathedral, which is also known as La Seu. This impressive Gothic-style structure was built between the 13th and 15th centuries and is a symbol of the city's rich history.

Almudaina Palace

Another must-see destination in Old Town Palma is the Almudaina Palace, which was built by the Moors in the 10th century and was later expanded by the Christian kings of Majorca. The palace is open to the public for guided tours.

Royal Palace La Almudaina - Old Town Palma

Arab baths

For those interested in history, a visit to the Banys Arabs is highly recommended. These ancient Arab baths were built in the 10th century and are some of the oldest structures in the area. The baths are an excellent example of Islamic architecture and offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who once lived on the island.

Arab Baths

Nightlife

In addition to the landmarks, Old Town Palma is home to a vibrant nightlife and a thriving arts scene. The area is filled with bars, clubs, and restaurants, offering visitors a chance to experience the local culture and cuisine. The streets are lined with boutiques and artisan shops selling locally-made crafts and artwork.

Festivals & events

Visitors to Old Town Palma can also take part in various festivals and events throughout the year. The Feast of Saint Sebastian, which takes place in January, is a colourful and lively celebration that involves parades, music, and fireworks. The Fira de la Ram, which is held in October, is a massive agricultural fair that showcases the best produce and livestock from the region.

Old Town Palma is easily accessible by car or public transportation, making it an excellent destination for tourists looking to experience the unique culture and history of Majorca. Whether you are interested in learning about the island's rich history or simply want to relax and enjoy the local culture, Old Town Palma is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Majorca.

Things to do in Palma