After Palma Cathedral, Bellver Castle is possibly the most famous monument in the city. A historical treasure that sits atop a 112-metre high hill (Puig de Sa Mesquida) and takes you on a journey down the centuries. A portal to a world of wonders that the Nivia Born Boutique Hotel presents in the following lines.
Bellver Castle is blessed with a stunning architectural style and dates back to the 14th century, when it was ordered to be built by King Jaime II. Ever since then it has been used as a royal residence, a defensive fort and a prison, before finally being used for cultural purposes from the end of the 20th century. . The structure of the building presents a combination of palatial and defensive features. Its circular shape is very rare in castle architecture and unique in Spain, while its beautiful, cobbled courtyards house attractions such as the Palma History Museum and an important collection of Roman, Muslim and Christian artefacts.
It comes as no surprise that Bellver (from the ancient Catalan expression ‘bell veer’) means “beautiful view”. With three circular towers ranged along its walls, a larger keep tower that measures 33 metres in height and a large moat surrounding its base, the upper terrace of Bellver Castle boasts views over the city, the port and the Serra de Tramuntana mountains that take your breath away. At the highest point you can enjoy a panoramic view of Palma free of all obstacles, together with a gentle sea breeze that enhances the peacefulness of the surrounding environment.
Without straying too far from the castle, you can also wander through Bellver Forest, the largest green space in the city and a haven of peace full of typical Mediterranean trees and plants. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the marked paths surrounded by the fauna and flora that is so characteristic of the island.
How to get there and when to visit Bellver Castle
It’s easy to walk to Bellver Castle as it’s only 3 km from the centre of Palma. On the way you will pass through the district of Terreno, which was a magnet for artists, bohemians and intellectuals from all over the world between the 1950s and 70s. The large steps built into the side of the hill make it easy to make your way up to the fortress. If you prefer to save all your strength for the castle itself, buses number 4, 20 and 46 will also leave you close to the castle entrance.
The castle is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm (7pm from April to September), and on Sundays (free admission) and holidays it opens from 10am to 3pm. It’s closed on Mondays and on New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, May 1 and Christmas Day.
