Almudaina Palace

From here, you have a stunning upward view in front of Almudaina Palace. The entrance is located just opposite the cathedral. It’s possible to visit the palace and explore the areas open to the public, such as the battlements, the audience hall, the throne room, and the king’s private quarters. You can also enjoy strolling through beautiful arcades that offer spectacular views over the sea, the cathedral, and Bellver Castle in the distance. This fortress, built by the Kings of Majorca, stands out for its rare circular shape — almost unique in Europe — and is considered one of the finest Gothic castles in Spain. Before you set off to explore every corner of the Almudaina Palace, let me tell you a bit about its history — which, in fact, embodies the story of Palma itself. During Antiquity, the Romans had chosen this site for its strategic position overlooking the bay of Palma. In 903, the Moors invaded the island and founded Madina Mayurqa, the city’s original Arabic name. They built an alcázar, which is a fortified Arab palace, along with a large mosque. By the 11th century, Madina Mayurqa had become one of the most important cities in Al-Andalus, the Muslim empire of the Iberian Peninsula. After the fall of the Caliphate of Córdoba, the Balearic Islands became independent and enjoyed a remarkable economic, cultural, and intellectual boom. In the early 13th century, the Almohads — a Berber dynasty from North Africa — ruled the island. Then, in 1229, during the Christian Reconquest, King James I of Aragon, known as El Conquistador, arrived with a large army and took the city from the Almohads. At the time, Mayurqa had around 35,000 inhabitants. The city was sacked, and most of its Muslim population was either killed, enslaved, or forced to flee. In 1305, King James II of Majorca and his wife Esclaramunda of Foix ordered the construction of a new royal palace atop the old Arab fortress. Most of the Islamic elements were dismantled to make way for Gothic-style architecture, partly inspired by the Royal Palace of the Kings of Majorca in Perpignan. Afterwards, the Almudaina Palace became the flourishing seat of the Kings of Majorca, first part of the Crown of Aragon, then the unified Spanish crown following the union of Aragon and Castile. Today, the palace still belongs to the Spanish royal family and is used for official receptions and state ceremonies. However, when the royals visit Palma, they stay at the more modern Palacio de Marivent in Cala Mayor, a few kilometers away. The Almudaina Palace is part of Spain’s national heritage and is a site of cultural interest. It’s one of the main landmarks to see in Mallorca, so consider booking your tickets in advance to avoid long lines.