- Address: Avinguda Antoni Maura, 24, 07012 Palma, Illes Balears, Spain
- Phone: +34 971 72 73 37
- Opening hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 to 17:45 (October to March from 13:00 to 16:00). On Saturday and on public holidays from 10:00 to 13:15.
Palma de Mallorca is the capital of the attractive island of Majorca, on the Balearic Islands . The city takes every year thousands of tourists who are looking for interesting places to visit and picturesque beaches. This, above all, the famous royal palaces, among which the most ancient is the Almudine Palace.
The history of the royal palace of Almudain in Mallorca (Palau de l'Almudaina)
In 1229, King Jaime I conquered the city and freed it from the hands of the Moors. The Royal Palace of Almudain is the oldest royal castle in Spain, it was built in 1281. The castle was intended to protect the city of Palma de Mallorca.
In the days of James II he was recreated in the Gothic style, and the remaining elements were executed in the style of Islamic architecture. For example, Moorish arches that are visible from the sea, especially at night, when they are beautifully lit by lanterns. The courtyard was designed in 1309. The last king who lived permanently in the palace is Jaime III. Since 1349 the palace has ceased to be the residence of the royal family.
What to see in the palace?
Currently, the palace is surrounded by palm trees and looks most beautiful in the afternoon, when the sun illuminates the towers of the cathedral. Near the palace is the royal chapel of the Chapel of Santa Ana, built in the Gothic style. The chapel has a Romanesque portal, which is a real gem of this architectural style. In addition to the royal palace and the chapel, the architectural ensemble is decorated with several tall watchtowers, and in the neighborhood stands an impressive cathedral.
Inside the palace of Almudaina there are several restored and elegantly furnished rooms. There you can admire the furniture and paintings from different eras, plunge into the atmosphere of that time. In this impressive building you can admire the tower, the royal chamber, the royal bedroom and the hall. The delight of visitors is caused by the tapestries hanging on the walls, including the Flemish, made in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, as well as the Spanish seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
The first room will surprise tourists with a rather narrow black and white ceiling, which symbolizes the penetration of light and darkness, as a symbolism of day and night. This is a kind of hallway in the next three halls that look much larger. Here, the gothic arches that separate the rooms from each other will open to the visitors. Initially, these halls were combined into one huge room. This room served as a banquet hall, in which various celebrations were held and tables were filled with various dishes. A visit to this wonderful place will leave an unforgettable impression of a journey into the past.
The main courtyard of the palace is called the Patio de Armas. It was here that the soldiers and military parades were inspected. Until now, in the courtyard you can see the remains of Arab architecture in the form of a fascinating fountain with a lion and sculptures. Right from the courtyard visitors can walk down the stairs to the royal chambers, where they delight in richly decorated and furnished rooms.
What to see in the vicinity?
Royal gardens below the palace represent a picturesque place, where you can sit by the fountain and look at the surrounding world. In the vicinity you can visit the Arc de la Dragana. The gardens were recreated in the 60s of the 20th century, and many houses were demolished.
Visiting hours and ticket prices
The Palace is open from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 17:45 (October to March from 13:00 to 16:00). On Saturday and on public holidays from 10:00 to 13:15.
Ticket prices: a regular ticket costs € 4, a reduced ticket costs € 2.30, children are admitted for free.
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