A circular Gothic castle built in the early 14th century for King Jaume II of Mallorca, on a 112 m hill 3 km west of the old town. It has a round central courtyard on two levels, a detached round tower and a rooftop with panoramic views of the bay, the city and the Serra de Tramuntana. It later served as a prison and now houses the Palma City History Museum.
Bellver Castle, or Castell de Bellver, sits on a 112 metre hill about 3 km west of Palma's old town, surrounded by pine forest on the island of Mallorca in Spain's Balearic Islands. It was built in the early 14th century for King Jaume II of Mallorca and is one of the few circular castles in Europe. A round central courtyard with two levels of arches is the heart of the building, and a detached round tower, the Torre de l'Homenatge, stands apart from the main structure. The castle later served as a prison and military site, and it now houses the Palma City History Museum, which shows archaeological finds and objects from the city's past. Most visitors head straight for the rooftop, where panoramic views take in the Bay of Palma, the cathedral, the port and the Serra de Tramuntana mountains on clear days. The courtyard is the best place for architectural photographs, while the roof offers the widest vistas. A visit typically takes one and a half to two hours, longer with a walk through the forest. Getting there is part of the experience: EMT bus line 3 from Plaça d'Espanya climbs to the castle, a taxi from the centre costs roughly €10 to €15, and a steep walk of about 20 minutes leads up through Bellver forest from the Terreno area. Opening hours run Tuesday to Saturday, with shorter hours on Sundays and bank holidays, and the castle is closed on Mondays and several holidays; last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Admission is low-priced and free on Sundays and for young children, though Sundays are noticeably busier. Late afternoon gives the best light over the bay and a cooler climb in summer.
| Admission | General about €4 (~$4.6); reduced about €2 (~$2.3); free on Sundays and for children under 14 (official page, last updated 2023) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Tue–Sat: Apr–Sep 10:00–19:00, Oct–Mar 10:00–18:00; Sundays and bank holidays 10:00–15:00; closed Mondays, 25 Dec, 1 Jan, 1 May and Easter Sunday; last entry 30 minutes before closing |
| Typical visit | 1.5–2 hours |
| Best time | Late afternoon for the view over the bay; Sundays are free but busier |
| Getting there | EMT bus line 3 from Plaça d'Espanya (about €2 / ~$2.3), or a taxi from the centre (about €10–€15 / ~$11.5–$17.25); a steep 20-minute walk up through Bellver forest from Terreno |
| Address | Carrer de Camilo José Cela, s/n, 07014 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain |
Location
Carrer de Camilo José Cela, s/n, 07014 Palma, Balearic Islands, Spain
39.5639, 2.6188 View on map
Highlights
- Rare circular Gothic castle with a two-level round courtyard
- Rooftop panorama over the Bay of Palma and the Serra de Tramuntana
- Detached round tower, the Torre de l'Homenatge
- Palma City History Museum inside the castle
- Forest walk up Bellver hill
Tips for visiting
- Go in the late afternoon for bay views and softer light
- Free entry on Sundays means larger crowds; weekdays are calmer
- Take EMT bus line 3 or a taxi if the climb looks too steep
- Last entry is 30 minutes before closing and the castle is closed on Mondays
- Bring water and sun protection for the walk and the open roof
When to visit
Late afternoon gives the best light and views over the bay. Weekdays avoid the Sunday free-entry crowds.
Accessibility
The castle has steps, ramps and uneven historic surfaces, and the roof is reached by stairs. Visitors with limited mobility should check access with the castle before visiting.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Bellver Castle take?
Most visitors spend one and a half to two hours, including the rooftop and the museum. A forest walk adds more time.
Is Bellver Castle worth it for kids?
Children often enjoy the round courtyard, the roof and the forest around the hill. The steep walk up may be tiring for younger ones, so the bus is an easier option.
Is photography allowed at Bellver Castle?
Photography is generally allowed in the courtyard and on the roof. Visitors should follow any signs inside the museum rooms.
Is Bellver Castle free?
Entry is free on Sundays and for children under 14 according to the official page, though visitors should confirm current rules before going.