Palau de l'Almudaina, Palma

The Palau de l'Almudaina commands Palma's historic waterfront immediately adjacent to the Cathedral, its crenelated towers and Moorish archways making it one of the most striking royal palaces in Spain. The name derives from the Arabic 'al-mudayna' (the citadel), reflecting the site's origins as a Moorish fortified residence built atop earlier Roman fortifications. Following the Christian reconquest of 1229, King James II of Mallorca undertook a sweeping Gothic transformation in the late 13th and early 14th centuries, creating a residence of royal apartments, Gothic halls, and a private chapel that blended Moorish structural elements with Catalan Gothic aesthetics. The palace retains its medieval footprint almost unchanged and remains official royal property — the Spanish royal family uses it for state events during summer visits to Mallorca. The public visit route covers the stately reception rooms hung with large Flemish and Aubusson tapestries depicting hunting scenes and classical mythology, medieval armor from the royal collection, Gothic vaulted rooms, and the beautiful Chapel of Santa Ana with its 14th-century Romanesque portal. The Arab Tower (Torre de l'Àngel) offers views over the Parc de la Mar and the marina below. The gardens with their stone fountain terrace are among Palma's most serene spaces, rarely as crowded as the Cathedral next door. Combined entry tickets with the Cathedral are available and represent good value for visitors exploring Palma's waterfront historic complex.