“within castle walls, whispers of the past echo louder than any stone.”
It’s all in the castle’s name, “Bellver,”, that translates to “beautiful view” in Catalan. When you visit the Believer Castle you’ll find there’s so much more than just a beautiful view to enjoy.
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About the Bellver Castle
When he built it in the early 14th century King Jaime II wasn’t worried about a beautiful view. Its strategic location that gave him an unparalleled view point to surveil potential threats from sea and land. It also helped communicating with his other fortifications along the coast.
It’s just a few kilometres out side of Palma city. A steep and winding road takes you from the El Terreno barrio right up to and past the majestic Castell de Believer.
It’s not really easily accessible on foot. A bicycle is even a challenge for anyone who doesn’t possess thighs like Arnold Schwarzenegger in his heyday.
Most folks go visit by car or tour bus. There is a car park just a little past the castle, but it’s not huge and fills up quite quickly in high season.
The ride up to the top winds through the “Bosc del Castell de Believer” (Forest of Believer Castle). This wooded area is a great place to enjoy a little of the flora and fauna of the island without having to really leave Palma.
So you’ve made it the top. What do ya see ?
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Interior of Bellver Castle
Well Bellver Castle is one of the few circular stone built castles in Europe. That’s it’s most striking feature when you first approach it. The distinctive circular layout was built with both defensive and aesthetic considerations in mind, after all the King was planning to live there.
Today, it stands as a popular tourist attraction but over the centuries it has had many uses, some quite bloody (it’s a Castle after all) Over the years it has also been a convenient place to house political prisoners.
It housed a small museum in the 1930s but after being fully restored in 1976 it became Palma’s History museum.
When you enter the castle grounds, you’re greeted by a really spacious courtyard encircled by an elegant covered gallery, leading to the central keep. That’s where the Museum of History is homed
The museum is pretty interesting, but not huge. It does offer a glimpse of Mallorca’s past though, showcasing artefacts ranging from Roman pottery through to medieval weaponry.
Another striking features of Bellver Castle the military folks amongst my readers is its unique double-tiered circular rampart. Providing both a great defensive fortification combined with the elevated position
Bellver Castle has looked down across Palma for centuries. It does still stand out today as a symbol of Mallorca’s rich heritage.
It’s a must-visit destination for visitors to learn more and enjoy the secrets of this enchanting island of Mallorca.
Bodega Ribas
Some other interesting places to visit next
Nev xxx
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