One of the few European circular castles, Bellver Castle, is a Gothic-style circular construction built between 1300 and 1310 which houses the City Historical Museum. The museum contains articles from archaeological excavations, municipal art collections and the Despuig Classical Sculpture Colection. There is also the chapel of Saint Marc, within the castle. Saint Marc is the patron saint of the castle.
This spectacular castle is located three kilometres from Palma's city centre and sits 112.6metres above seal level. It is an impressive building which dominates the bay and a large part of the island. Building began on the order of Jaime II, Kind of Mallorca, at the beginning of the 14th century. It was built to provide both a defensive castle as well as a residential one.
The design of this castle is circular and it has three semi-circular towers with another tower around seven metres away from the main body of the Castle. It has a central courtyard, and has been built on two levels, the ground floor with round arches and flat ceilings and an upper floor wtih wonderful lancet arches covered with a cross vault in pure Gothic style, breathtaking!
The castle building, and the forests surrounding it, were passed over to Palma City Council quite a while ago, in 1931. There were some conversions made so that the castle could house the museum. The castle is used for many different cultural and leisure activities nowadays and if you get the opportunity to visit this wonderful building it really is worth it, the architecture and setting is quite stunning.
On the ground floor you can find the Armoury Courtyard and the City's Historical Museum where you can experience the City's history and building development since the Bronze Age until our time (some of this area could possibly be in the process of refurbishment).
The main floor has the San Marc Chapel, Jovellanos Room, Throne Room, kitchen and the Despuig Classical Sculpture collection and from from the terrace there is the most spectacular, panoramic view of the City and Bay of Palma.
Entrance fee:
Adults: 2.50 €
Pensioners, students and minors below the age of 16: 1 €
Agencies: 2 €
On Saturdays: Free entrance for Palma's residents
On Sundays and public holidays: Free entrance for everyone
Schedule of opening hours:
SUMMER (April to September):
On workdays (Mondays to Saturdays): From 8:30 hrs until 20:30 hrs
On Sundays and public holidays: From 10:00 hrs until 18:30 hrs
WINTER (October to March):
- On workdays (Mondays to Saturdays): From 8:30 hrs until 19:00 hrs
- On Sundays and public holidays: From 10:00 hrs until 16:30 hrs
It is possible that the opening hours may change due to official receptions and events organised by the City Council of Palma.
One of the few European circular castles, Bellver Castle, is a Gothic-style circular construction built between 1300 and 1310 which houses the City Historical Museum. The museum contains articles from archaeological excavations, municipal art collections and the Despuig Classical Sculpture Colection. There is also the chapel of Saint Marc, within the castle. Saint Marc is the patron saint of the castle.