Visiting Bellver Castle
It belongs to a very exclusive club of circular fortresses. There are only four such structures in the world, which is reason enough for architecture enthusiasts to visit Bellver Castle. It is a magnificent property located three kilometers from the historic center of Palma. The castle overlooks the bay from the top of a 112-meter hill covered in pine trees. From the rooftop terraces, the view is expansive, and the history of this incredible building is captivating. It began in 1310 and continues today, with the ground floor housing a museum dedicated to the history of Palma.
A circular palace-fortress
It was James II of Majorca who commissioned the Castillo de Bellver. He established his royal residence here, but this Gothic structure was designed from the start as a palace-fortress. Its perfectly circular courtyard is the striking centerpiece, and numerous defensive features enhance its architecture, such as the small sentry boxes between the towers that were ideal for surveillance. Exploring this atypical site is rewarding. While none of the original furniture remains, the noble chambers and official halls offer a sharp contrast to the site's military origins. The main tower, standing 33 meters high, served as the final defensive bastion during a siege. Accessible via the upper terrace and an impressive corridor with double pointed arches, it is one of the highlights of the castle. In 1717, the structure functioned as a military prison that held Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos, its most famous political prisoner. Used as a Mint in 1821, it now houses the city's history museum, featuring rooms dedicated to archaeology, painting, numismatics, and a magnificent Despuig collection of sculptures. The park surrounding the castle is just as impressive as the structure itself.
Ancient castle overlooking the city and its bay. It is accessible by car or on foot via a staircase that climbs up from the harbor. If you choose the stairs, it is a bit long but still doable! The castle is surrounded by a park and a small grove. The interior is fairly basic. There is a patio surrounded by arches, which has its charm. The most interesting part is the sweeping view toward Palma and the Mediterranean.
I would stick to a free visit on Sunday. I would not necessarily pay to go inside.