Bellver Castle sits on a wooded hill west of the centre, and its shape is unique: a perfectly round Gothic fortress built for the kings of Mallorca in the fourteenth century, with a circular two-storey courtyard, three round towers and a free-standing keep linked by a bridge. Palma’s tourism foundation describes it as the only circular Gothic castle in Spain. Over the centuries it served as a royal residence and later as a prison, and today it houses the Museu d’Història de la Ciutat, which tells the story of Palma under the Romans, the Moors and the Christian kings. The real draw for many visitors, though, is the view from the roof terrace: the whole bay of Palma, the cathedral, the marina full of yachts and, behind, the Serra de Tramuntana. Entry is cheap, and the pine forest around it is a pleasant place to walk.
How it works: the castle is closed on Mondays. From October to March it opens from Tuesday to Saturday until early evening, with shorter Sunday and holiday hours, and it also closes on a few public holidays. A modest admission fee covers the castle, the roof and the museum. The hop-on hop-off bus stops at the top; otherwise take a taxi, or walk up through the pines from the El Terreno area, which takes around half an hour and is steep in places.
What to expect: the courtyard and the roof are the highlights, and the museum rooms are compact. The terraces are exposed, so on windy or very hot days bring a layer or a hat. Paths on the hill are unpaved.
Making the most of it: go in the late afternoon for the low sun over the bay, then walk down through the woods toward Santa Catalina for dinner. If you are visiting Fundació Miró Mallorca, Bellver is on the same side of the city, so the two make an easy half day.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a round Gothic castle with a courtyard, a city history museum and a panoramic roof terrace.
Best time
Late afternoon, when the sun is low over the bay, on any day except Monday.
How long
About an hour inside, plus the trip up and down the hill.
Tips
Remember the Monday closure, take the bus or a taxi up and walk down, and bring a layer for the windy roof.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Anyone who wants the best panoramic view of Palma and its bay.
- Families
- Round towers, a moat and a big roof to run around make it one of the most child-friendly sights in the city.
- Couples
- A late-afternoon visit for the golden light, then a walk down through the pines to dinner in Santa Catalina.
- Pair with
- Fundació Miró Mallorca on the same side of town, or the cathedral for the other great view.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
Why is Bellver Castle round?+
It was designed as a circular Gothic fortress for the kings of Mallorca in the fourteenth century. Palma’s tourism foundation describes it as the only circular Gothic castle in Spain.
When is Bellver Castle open?+
It is closed on Mondays and on a few holidays. In winter it opens Tuesday to Saturday until early evening, with shorter hours on Sundays.
How do you get to Bellver Castle?+
The hop-on hop-off bus and taxis go to the top of the hill. You can also walk up through the pine woods, which is steep but shaded.
What is inside Bellver Castle?+
The castle houses Palma’s city history museum, covering the Roman, Moorish and Christian periods. The roof terrace gives a panoramic view of the bay.
Is Bellver Castle expensive?+
No, the admission fee is modest. It is one of the best-value sights in Palma.
