Palace of the Kings of Majorca, Gothic fortress in Perpignan, France
The Palace of the Kings of Majorca is a Gothic fortress in central Perpignan with three main courtyards, two chapels, and thick defensive walls built from local stone. Its interior layout flows through residential chambers, dining halls, and gardens that reveal how the royal household was arranged.
King James II of Majorca ordered construction in 1276 and made Perpignan the capital of his kingdom. The city served as the seat of government until 1309, when political power shifted back to Palma.
Two separate chapels sit within the palace: one reserved for the queen on the lower floor and another featuring pink marble details on the upper level. Visitors can observe how religious spaces were woven into daily court life.
Visitors can explore the grounds on foot, with the courtyards serving as good orientation points throughout the site. Stairs and passages are narrow in places, so allow time to navigate comfortably and wear suitable footwear.
The palace hosts the Guitares au Palais festival each August, where international musicians transform the courtyards into open-air concert venues. This music event has become a major cultural fixture in the city's calendar.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
