Palace of the Kings of Majorca
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.
Location: Perpignan
Architects: Pons Descoyl
Architectural style: Gothic architecture
Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access
Address: Rue des Archers, 66000 Perpignan, France
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-17:00
Phone: +33468349626
Website: https://ledepartement66.fr/dossier/lepalaisdesroisdemajorque
GPS coordinates: 42.69389,2.89556
Latest update: December 6, 2025 17:40
The Eastern Pyrenees region of France features mountains, coastal areas, and historical sites. The territory extends from Pyrenean peaks to Mediterranean beaches, containing medieval fortresses, historic railways, deep gorges, thermal springs, and nature reserves. Notable elements include the 2,784-meter Canigou peak, the Yellow Train railway, coastal fortifications, and protected marine areas. The region presents archaeological sites, mineral formations, mountain lakes, and religious buildings from various periods.
Argelès-sur-Mer sits between the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, combining beach life with medieval history. The town preserves traces of its past through the Tour de la Massane, a 13th-century watchtower, and the Mémorial des Camps, which commemorates the Spanish Civil War refugee camps. The Église Notre-Dame del Prat displays Catalan architecture, while the Ermitage Notre-Dame de Vie occupies a hillside overlooking the coast. The Sentier du Littoral follows rocky cliffs between Plage du Racou and Crique du Porteil, where swimmers and snorkelers gather. The region offers several protected natural areas, including the Réserve Naturelle du Mas-Larrieu with its dunes and wetlands, and the Réserve Marine de Banyuls for divers. Further inland, the Musée de Tautavel presents prehistoric findings, while the Orgues d'Ille-sur-Têt displays pink clay erosion formations. The Caves Byrrh in Thuir has produced fortified wine since 1873 in underground cellars. Across the Spanish border, the Musée Dalí in Figueres showcases the surrealist artist's work. In Perpignan, the Palais des Rois de Majorque rises above the city, documenting the period when the region belonged to the Kingdom of Majorca.
Hôtel Pams
500 m
Musée Hyacinthe-Rigaud
503 m
La Méditerranée
620 m
Hôtel de ville de Perpignan
624 m
Casa Xanxo
583 m
Citadel of Perpignan
85 m
Église des Carmes de Perpignan
498 m
Notre-Dame la Réal church
357 m
Couvent Sainte Claire de Perpignan
280 m
Muséum d'histoire naturelle de Perpignan
517 m
Public theatre of Perpignan
498 m
Palais de la Députation
621 m
Église Saint-Mathieu de Perpignan
367 m
Institut Jean Vigo
431 m
Couvent des Dames de Saint-Sauveur
477 m
Centre d'Art Contemporani Walter Benjamin
478 m
Chapel Notre-Dame-des-Anges
459 m
Casa de la Generalitat de Catalunya a Perpinyà
436 m
Bourse du travail de Perpignan
503 m
Perpinyà walled town
597 m
Inlaid stone in font de na Pincarda
610 m
Hôtel de Senesterra
499 m
Chapelle Sainte-Croix du palais des rois de Majorque
37 m
Palau de les Corts
531 m
Santa Maria Magdalena del Palau dels Reis de Mallorca
37 m
Église Sainte-Thérèse-de-Lisieux de Perpignan
307 m
Église Sainte-Catherine de Perpignan
350 m
Chapelle Saint-Jean du cloître de l'église de la Réal
326 mReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes