- Address: Carrer Camilo José Cela, s / n, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
- Phone: +34 971 73 50 65
- Working hours: 8: 30-20: 00 (varies depending on the season)
Castell de Bellver is one of the most famous and most interesting gothic castles in Europe. It is located about three kilometers from the center of Palma on the famous island of Mallorca . The word "Belver" is translated as "Beautiful view", this name was given for some reason. Bellver Castle is located on a wooded hillside at the entrance to the harbor, from which a very good panorama of the city of Palma opens.
History of the castle
The building has been preserved to our time practically unchanged. It was built in the fourteenth century, more precisely, in 1300-1314 on the orders of James II, King of Mallorca. Bellver Castle in Palma had to guard access to the bay and the city, especially in the western part. It also served as a royal residence and during the reign of James II Mallorca experienced years of glory. The construction of the castle is located on the site where the mosque used to be.
Since 1717, Belver served as a military prison. In the period from 1802 to 1808, Gaspard Melchor de Hovelianos, a Spanish politician, an economist, and an Enlightenment representative served in one of the cells on the first floor. The prison also contained many French officers and even soldiers after the defeat in the battle in 1808. Later, the castle served as a mint. In 1931, under a new project, it was transformed into the Museum of the History of the City.
Architecture of Bellver Castle
Bellver Castle Mallorca is considered the architectural gem of Mallorca. The building has a circle shape, it was decisive for its originality. Outside, it is surrounded by a moat. Three semicircular towers "grow" from thick walls, the fourth stands in the distance, at a distance of seven meters from the main building of the castle, and in the center of the fortress is a courtyard.
The courtyard is surrounded by monasteries consisting of two floors. On the lower floor there are round arches, and on the top - sharpened arches with ribbed arches in the Gothic style. In the castle there are many rooms where you can admire the artifacts collected during the turbulent history of the castle and the city of Palma. On the flat roof of the castle, serving as a viewing platform, you can admire the unforgettable view of the city and port.
Castle today
There is a museum in the castle, which is closed on Sundays and on holidays. The remaining hours of the visit coincide with the visiting hours of the castle itself. In the museum you can find archaeological exhibits and Roman sculptures, which were collected by Cardinal Antonio Despucci.
Nearby Attractions
On the way from the castle you can go through the park of the city of Palma. On the other hand, a little farther in the direction of Palma Nova is Castel de Bendinat, built in the thirteenth century. Unfortunately, this object is not available for visiting, because it is a conference center. But you can visit the Cala Mayor, where the Foundation Pilar and Joan Miró are located. There you can visit the studio and see the collection of works by the famous Catalan surrealist Joan Miró. The artist lived there from 1956 until the end of his life.
How to get to the castle?
The castle can be reached by car or by public transport. You can also visit it on foot as a result of a long and interesting walking tour. To do this, you need to walk along Joan Miro Avenue, and then climb up the narrow, winding streets leading to the castle. Belver is on Carrer Camilo Jose Sela.
Visiting hours and tickets
Bellver Castle is open from May to August, from Tuesday to Sunday. Opening hours in this period are from 10:00 to 19:00. On Mondays it is closed.
Also, the castle can be visited in March, April, September and October, but the visit time is reduced in the evening for an hour - from 10:00 to 18:00. During the rest of the year, it is open from 10:00 to 17:00.
The ticket costs € 2.5. Students and pensioners pay € 1, children under the age of 14 have the opportunity to visit the landmark for free. On Sunday and on holidays, when the museum is closed, the entrance to the castle is free.
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