Bellver Castle in Palma

Two landmarks make Palma instantly recognisable: La Seu cathedral and Bellver Castle. It’s one of the places we most enjoy recommending, whether you live here or are visiting Mallorca.

This Gothic castle stands on a wooded hill and was built between 1300 and 1311 on the orders of Jaume II of Mallorca. From the rooftop terrace you can see the city, the Bay of Palma and the Serra de Tramuntana. The name Bellver means “beautiful view”.

A circular Gothic castle

The circular plan is the first thing you notice. Three towers are attached to the main building, while the keep stands apart. The courtyard has two levels of galleries, with rounded arches below and pointed ones above. The castle was built as a royal residence and later served as a prison. The writer and statesman Gaspar Melchor de Jovellanos was held here.

The castle now belongs to Palma City Council and houses the City History Museum, which traces Palma’s development from prehistory to the 20th century. You can also see the Despuig collection of classical sculpture and temporary exhibitions when scheduled. Admission is free on Sundays when the castle is open.

The ticket office is in the visitor centre by the car park, where there’s also a shop. The castle hosts cultural events and concerts, and some spaces can be booked for private events, including civil weddings.

The Diumenge de l’Àngel is a traditional festival associated with the walk up to Bellver on the Sunday after Easter. The venue and date can vary from year to year.

Several footpaths lead through the grounds, with access from different streets. We like to combine a visit to the castle with a walk through the woods.

There’s plenty to do around the castle. You can leave the car at the foot of the hill and go for a short walk through the woods, or stop at the Es Polvorí and Jovellanos play areas.

Es Polvorí playground

• Access is from Es Terreno, in the lower part of the woods.
• In September 2026 the council removed the zip line, table tennis tables and picnic facilities from the adventure area. The children’s play equipment was kept.
• There are shady spots under the trees.

Jovellanos playground

• It’s halfway up the hill to the castle.
• There are swings and play areas for different ages.
• On our visits we found picnic tables and an open area for ball games. It can get quite busy at weekends.

Bellver forest is one of Palma’s biggest green spaces. We’ve always found it a good place to get away from the city for a while, whether we’re visiting the castle or just going for a walk.

Opening times, tickets and how to get there

Address · Carrer de Camilo José Cela, s/n, Palma.

Opening times · April to September, Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 7 pm. October to March, Tuesday to Saturday 10 am to 6 pm. Sundays and public holidays 10 am to 3 pm.

Closures · Mondays, New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, 1 May and Christmas Day. Events may affect opening times.

Tickets · Palma residents qualify for a special rate. Admission is free on Sundays when the castle opens and for children under 14. The official conditions also provide free admission for schools, supervised student groups, accredited teachers, ICOM members and certain organised groups of older people or people with disabilities. The ticket office by the car park closes 45 minutes before the castle. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.

Getting there · By car, follow Camilo José Cela to the castle car park. Bus routes 4, 20 and 46 stop in the Es Terreno area, from where it’s an uphill walk. The sightseeing bus stops by the castle.

Accessibility · The municipal guide lists the ground and first floors as accessible. The rooftop terrace is reached by stairs.

Official information · Bellver Castle’s official opening times and prices (in Spanish).