Almudaina Palace

The Almudaina Palace, in Palma

The Almudaina Palace is the former Arab fortress become a royal residence, one of the major monuments of Palma. The Palma audio-guided tour stops here to evoke this history-laden palace, facing the cathedral, a witness of the Arab and Christian past of Majorca.

From the Arab fortress to the royal residence

The Almudaina Palace stands proudly facing the cathedral, by the sea. Originally, it was an alcazar, an Arab fortress built during the centuries of Muslim domination over the island, whose name comes from Arabic and evokes the citadel. After the conquest of Majorca by King James I of Aragon in the thirteenth century, the building was transformed into a royal residence for the kings of Majorca, who adapted it to the Gothic taste while keeping elements of its Moorish architecture. This double identity makes all the charm of the palace, where Gothic halls, inner courtyard, chapel, arches and gardens mingle, in a striking dialogue between the cultures. The palace keeps a rich furniture, tapestries and art collections. Still today the official residence of the royal family of Spain during their stays on the island, it is part of the national heritage. A witness of the Arab and royal past of Majorca, the Almudaina Palace is a must-see stop of the discovery of Palma.

What to see

You admire the former Arab fortress become a royal residence after the conquest of Majorca by James I of Aragon in the thirteenth century, facing the cathedral by the sea, where Gothic halls, inner courtyard, chapel, arches and Moorish gardens mingle, with its rich furniture, still the official residence of the royal family of Spain. The Almudaina Palace is a major monument of Palma. It is a must-see stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The Almudaina Palace lies facing the cathedral, by the sea, in Palma, reachable on foot. It is a palace that can be visited according to its own hours and conditions, which vary, and that may be closed during the official stays of the royal family. It is best to check the arrangements before coming.

What is the history of the Almudaina Palace in Palma?

Originally an Arab fortress built during the Muslim domination of the island, it was transformed into a royal residence after the conquest of Majorca by James I of Aragon in the thirteenth century; mixing Gothic and Moorish architecture, it remains today the official residence of the royal family of Spain.

Where is the Almudaina Palace of Palma?

Facing the cathedral, by the sea, in Palma de Mallorca, in Spain.