Bellver Castle

Bellver Castle is a 14th-century Gothic castle on the outskirts of Palma de Mallorca in the Balearic Islands, Spain, notable for its rare circular layout.

The castle was constructed for the Mallorcan crown in the early 14th century and served as a royal residence, then as a military and later a municipal site. Over centuries it was adapted for defensive use and later converted to public and museum functions.

Sited on a wooded hill just west of Palma’s historic centre, the castle overlooks the city and harbour and is reached by a short drive, public transport or a steep walk from central Palma.

• Design: One of the rare Gothic castles in Europe built on a circular plan, often cited for its distinctive round form.
• Views: Located on a wooded hill just outside Palma, the castle's ramparts offer uninterrupted views over Palma and the Bay of Palma - best in clear weather or at sunset.

What to See #

• Central keep and courtyard: A circular Gothic keep and courtyard around a central well form the castle's core; the plan is notable for its nearly circular layout and concentric ramparts.
• Palma History Museum: Housed in rooms around the ramparts and inner ward, the municipal city collection presents Palma's history and rotating temporary exhibits.
• Ramparts and viewing terraces: Wide stone ramparts and terraces provide several panoramic viewpoints across the city of Palma and the Bay of Palma, used for photography and sunset views.