Wednesday 24th May 2023: Bellver Castle

The Welcome Reception will be held at the Bellver Castle on Wednesday 24th May 2023. https://castelldebellver.palma.cat/

Bellver Castle is undoubtedly one of the most original, emblematic buildings in Mallorca's history.

It was built between 1300 and 1311 on the instructions of the King James II of Mallorca. However, the criterion behind the construction of Bellver Castle was defensive strategies planned by the Royal House of Mallorca. It was also conceived as a fortified palace where governors could safely take refuge in times o jeopardy and the monarchs used for longer or shorter stays.

 Bellver Castle stands about three kilometres form the city centre of Palma,on a hill some 112 metres above sea level. It has a very specific original design, made up of a Gothic building that forms a perfect shape, with four big towers facing the four points of the compass. The keep faces north and it is separate from the rest of the castle, while the other towers are buttressed to the main body.

Some of the most remarkable architectural features on the outer façade of Bellver Castle are its arched mullion windows. Found on the upper storey, they comprise two narrow semi-circular arches separated by a column.  This kind ofwindow, which can also be found inside the building, is fairly typical of Palma's medieval architecture.

Work on the first moat that surrounds the castle was carried out in 1330. The moat prevented enemies from invading the castle, while also increasing its relative height.

After this alteration to the castle, it saw few modifications. Only an outer ravelin surrounding the first moat and the third curtain wall were added, both related to the introduction and development of artillery on the island.

With the collaboration of the Ajuntament de Palma de Mallorca

Address: Carrer Camilo José Cela, s/n, 07014 Palma, Illes Balears

Website: https://castelldebellver.palma.cat/