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Castle · Palma, Balearic Islands
Castell de Bellver
14th-century circular Gothic castle on a pine-covered hill 3 km from the center, with a detached keep, the Museum of the History of Palma and views of the bay.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Castell de Bellver
The Castell de Bellver was built at the beginning of the 14th century for King James II of Majorca, on top of a pine-covered hill about 112 metres above sea level and 3 km from Palma's centre. The name comes from Old Catalan and means 'beautiful view.'
The castle has a circular plan, rare in Europe: a round courtyard with galleries on two levels, surrounded by three attached towers and a fourth, the keep, detached and linked to the main body by an arched bridge. A moat runs around it.
The castle served as a royal residence and, for a long time, as a military prison. The politician and writer Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos was imprisoned there at the start of the 19th century. Today it houses the Museu d'Història de la Ciutat, with the history of Palma, and a collection of classical sculptures assembled by Cardinal Despuig.
From the high terrace you can see the whole bay of Palma, the cathedral, the port and the Serra de Tramuntana.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
From 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
Best time
In the late afternoon, for the view of the bay with the low sun. It is closed on Mondays and has reduced hours on Sundays; check.
How to get there
It is in the Bellver woods, about 3 km from the center. City buses stop at the foot of the hill, and the walk up takes around 20 minutes; by car or taxi you can reach the gate.
Tip
Go up to the upper terrace for the full view. If you like walking, you can descend on foot through the woods to the El Terreno neighborhood. Bring water in summer.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Castell de Bellver
Why is Bellver Castle round?
It was designed that way in the 14th century, with a circular courtyard and attached towers — a rare model in Europe.
What's inside the castle?
The Museu d'Història de la Ciutat and Cardinal Despuig’s collection of classical sculptures.
How do you get up to Bellver Castle?
By city bus to the foot of the hill and then a 20-minute walk, or by car or taxi to the gate.