Discover Bellver Castle: Mallorca’s Iconic 14th-Century Fortress

The Spanish island of Mallorca, which is situated in the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea, is celebrated for its pristine sandy beaches, towering mountains, and lovely forests. Mallorca is also home to a stately 14th-century castle with a unique circular design whose name—Bellver Castle—means “castle with a beautiful view” in Catalan. For a small fee, visitors can explore one of Spain‘s most iconic castles and experience a sweeping view of breathtaking Mallorca.

In the early 1300s, King James II of Mallorca enlisted architect Pere Salva to build a distinctive castle that was heavily influenced by Islamic architecture. Salva designed a rounded castle whose floor plan was loosely inspired by the ancient fortress of Herodium near Bethlehem. The castle rose 365 feet above sea level and featured a circular courtyard, a moat, and three rounded towers.

Bellver Castle served as a royal residence until the end of the 1300s, when it was converted into a prison that housed political dissidents. Politician Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos was Bellver’s most infamous prisoner. Jovellanos was an Enlightenment-era reformer whose vocal protest of the brutal Spanish Inquisition caused him to fall out of favor among Spain’s ruling class. Jovellanos was imprisoned from 1802-1808 and wrote a searing book about the oppressive circumstances of his captivity in Bellver.

Visitors can tour the scenic grounds of Bellver Castle. The fortress is one of Europe’s best-preserved 14th-century castles, so if you’re a castle enthusiast, Bellver should definitely top your list of places to visit. The castle also features a museum that hosts exhibits about Mallorca’s capital city of Palma. There are also installations dedicated to the history of Bellver, including a room that showcases the life and times of imprisoned politician Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos.

Bellver Castle also hosts musical performances, plays, and other cultural events. Watching a symphony perform surrounded by the gothic arches of Bellver’s gorgeous circular courtyard is a truly magical experience. Bellver Castle is the cultural hub of Palma, so there is always an event worth attending.

Bellver Castle is a gorgeous and distinctive 14th-century fortress with a rich history. If you’re searching for a vantage point that is conducive to seeing some of the most stunning views on the island of Mallorca or want to visit a historic castle that alternately served as a lavish residence for royalty and a repressive prison for political dissidents, a trip to Bellver Castle is an absolute must.