Bellver Castle
Bellver Castle is a rare circular Gothic castle, built in the 14th century as a royal residence and hunting retreat, later repurposed as a military prison for several centuries before becoming a museum. Its circular plan is unusual for European castle architecture, wrapped around a central courtyard with a moat.
Beyond the architecture, the hilltop setting gives sweeping views over Palma's bay, and the surrounding pine woods make the approach itself a pleasant walk or bus ride away from the city center. The interior houses a small history museum covering the castle's various uses and the city's past.
Bellver Castle FAQs
It's one of the few circular castles in Europe, an unusual Gothic design choice built as a royal residence rather than a purely defensive structure.
By local bus, taxi, or on foot up a fairly steep hill from central Palma; there's no direct train or metro.
It served as a military prison for several centuries before its current use as a museum.
Yes, it overlooks Palma's bay and city, one of the better panoramic viewpoints near the city center.
About 1-1.5 hours for the castle and grounds.
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