Bellver Castle, Gothic castle on Puig de Sa Mesquida hill in Palma de Mallorca, Spain
Bellver is a circular stone fortress above Palma with three original towers connected by walls that surround a central courtyard featuring Gothic arches. The structure sits at about 112 meters elevation overlooking the city and bay below.
King James II of Majorca ordered the fortress built in 1300 to protect the island and serve as a royal residence. The building later became a military prison, holding inmates from 1717 through the 20th century.
The castle houses a city museum displaying Roman pottery and classical statues that trace Palma's development from prehistoric Talayotic times onward. The collections show how different peoples shaped the island across many centuries.
You can reach the fortress by taking public buses 4, 20, or 46 to Plaça de Gomila, then walking uphill for about 15 minutes to the entrance. The climb is steep but the path is well-marked and the views from above reward the effort.
This is Spain's only circular Gothic fortress, distinguished by its characteristic double arches that reflect Moorish architectural influences. This uncommon design makes the building stand out among similar fortifications.
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