Castell de Bellver, Mallorca

Castell de Bellver is a historic circular castle located on a wooded hill just outside Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Overlooking the city and the Bay of Palma, it is one of the island’s most prominent landmarks and a rare example of a circular fortress in Europe. Built in the 14th century for King James II of Majorca, the castle combines Gothic architecture with defensive strength and panoramic beauty. Today, it serves as both a museum and a popular tourist attraction, offering stunning views, cultural exhibits, and a glimpse into Mallorca’s medieval past.

History

Construction of Castell de Bellver began around 1300 under the direction of King James II, who commissioned it as a royal residence. Designed by architect Pere Salvà, the castle was intended as a luxurious retreat rather than a purely military fortress. Its circular layout, central courtyard, and elegant Gothic arches reflect the artistic refinement of the Majorcan court during the early 14th century.

From the 18th century the castle served for long periods as a military prison. Since 1976 it has housed Palma’s City History Museum, with archaeological finds from Roman to Islamic times and a collection of classical sculpture.

Architecture

Castell de Bellver is distinctive for its perfectly circular design—a rarity in medieval European fortifications. The main structure consists of a large circular wall with four towers, one of which, the Torre del Homenaje, stands slightly apart and connected by a bridge.

The castle features two levels:

• The ground floor, surrounded by semicircular arches supported by thick columns, originally used for service and storage areas.
• The upper floor, which contains Gothic-style rooms that once served as royal chambers, decorated with elegant arches and vaulted ceilings.

What Makes It Famous

Castell de Bellver is renowned for its unique circular design, panoramic location, and historical significance. Few medieval castles in Europe share this architectural style, making it an exceptional example of Gothic innovation. The castle’s hilltop position offers one of the best viewpoints on Mallorca, overlooking Palma, its harbor, and the surrounding countryside.

Opening hours:
The castle is closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Saturday it is open from 10:00 to 19:00 from April to September and from 10:00 to 18:00 from October to March; on Sundays and public holidays it opens from 10:00 to 15:00. It is closed on 1 January, Easter Sunday, 1 May and 25 December.

Admission fees:
The general ticket costs €4, with a reduced price of €2 for seniors and young people aged 14–18. Entry is free for children under 14 and for everyone on Sundays.

How to Get There

By car:
Castell de Bellver is located about 3 kilometers west of Palma’s city center. Visitors can drive up following signs to “Castell de Bellver.” There is a small parking area near the entrance.

By bus:
City buses from central Palma stop at the foot of the hill, around Plaça Gomila. From there, it’s a 15–20 minute uphill walk through a scenic pine forest; the hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus stops at the castle itself.