Best for
Gothic architecture, Palma panoramas, history and summer concerts
Typical visit time
Around 1 to 1.5 hours
Tickets
From €4, with free entry on Sunday afternoons
Location
Camí José Rover Motta, Palma de Mallorca
Why visit Bellver Castle?
Bellver Castle stands on a pine-covered hill 112 metres above Palma, looking out across the Bay of Mallorca with views that take in the cathedral, the port and on clear days the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Its name means beautiful view, and it delivers on the promise from every angle.
Built in the early 14th century as a summer residence for King Jaume II of Mallorca, Bellver is one of the most architecturally unusual castles in Europe. Its circular design gives it a striking silhouette from below and a coherent, almost theatrical quality when you walk its round courtyard and double-arched galleries inside.
The castle has had many lives since its royal beginnings. It served as a prison for several centuries, holding among its most famous inmates the Spanish Enlightenment minister Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos. Today it houses Palma's City History Museum and serves as an open-air concert venue in summer.
What to see at Bellver Castle
01
The circular courtyard and galleries
The two-storey arcaded courtyard is the architectural heart of the castle, with Gothic arches on both levels framing a central open space.
02
Panoramic views over Palma
The rooftop terrace and keep tower offer wide views of the cathedral, port, bay, coastline and mountains in a single sweep.
03
The City History Museum
Palma's municipal history collection includes Roman sculpture, city history displays and quieter rooms that reward a slower visit.
04
The keep tower and prison quarters
The detached cylindrical tower connected by an arched bridge is Bellver's most distinctive feature and adds a more sobering prison-history layer.
Visitor tips
- Entry is free on Sunday afternoons, which is the best budget option but also one of the busiest times.
- Check the summer concert programme if you are visiting from June to August.
- The walk up through the pine forest from Plaça Gomila takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
- The castle is usually closed on Mondays, and hours vary by season.
Bellver Castle FAQs
Is Bellver Castle worth visiting?
Yes. The circular Gothic architecture, panoramic views over Palma and bay, and low ticket price make it one of the best-value historic visits on the island.
How much does Bellver Castle cost?
Adult entry is usually €4, with reduced rates available and free entry on Sunday afternoons. Check current prices before visiting.
How do I get to Bellver Castle?
By car, follow signs from central Palma to the castle car park. On foot, the walk through the pine forest from Plaça Gomila takes around 15 to 20 minutes.
Can I visit Bellver Castle and Palma Cathedral in the same day?
Yes. The castle and cathedral are around 2 kilometres apart, so many visitors combine both with Palma old town and the Royal Palace of La Almudaina.