Of all the castles to visit in Andalucia, Spain here are our six must-see castles are listed below: Looking back into Andalucia’s rich history, we have compiled a list of the best castles in Andalucia to visit while vacationing in southern Spain. Originally built to warn of an imminent invasion, these watchtowers played an essential role during the 17th century when the Barbary pirates were the scourge of the Mediterranean. While the majestic castles tend to be in places with a large population, all along the Andalucian coastline, you will come across smaller castles and towers. I received services for free for an honest review. If you buy via them, I’ll earn a small commission which helps me to keep this blog running. Next, check out 27 stunning photos of McDermott's Castle in Ireland.This post contains affiliate links. With eight rooms holding artifacts chronicling Mallorca's Roman, Arab, and Spanish periods and a courtyard that hosts concerts and cultural events, the 700-year-old structure is a marvel - and one offering staggering views of the ocean from an expansive rooftop.Īnd at $4.50 per entry, a visit is just too good to pass up.Īfter learning about Bellver Castle, take a look at nine abandoned castles that are still glorious in their decay. After major restorations in 1976, it became the tourist destination it is today. Ultimately, Bellver Castle would never need them as the fort was returned to the city of Palma in 1931 and turned into a museum in 1932. Bellver Castle TodayĪs weapons of war advanced to artillery, the castle was modified to hold battlements on the balconies. Notable inmates included Age of Enlightenment philosopher and outspoken statesman Gasper Melchor de Jovellanos and political dissidents during Francisco Franco's dictatorial reign in the 20th century. Sergei Gussev/Flickr Bellver Castle is over 700 years old.Īs political power shifted toward the mainland, Bellver Castle began to serve largely as a prison. Ultimately, the fort did fall into enemy hands in 1521 during the "Revolt of the Brotherhoods" - which saw artisan guilds (or Germanies) from the Kingdom of Valencia rise up against King Charles V. Prince Charles of Viana tried to claim the castle for himself in 1459, but his father, King John II, of Aragon ruled otherwise. The fortress withstood the attempt, and yet again in 1391 when violent, anti-semitic riots erupted across the island. Bellver Castle's Siegesīellver Castle's first siege occurred in 1343 when Peter IV of Aragon tried forcibly to reintegrate Mallorcan territories into the Crown of Aragon on the mainland. The ancient complex was both circular and constructed at 2,487 feet above sea level - and served just as much as a palace as a fortress. Historians believe Salvà was influenced by the Herodium which was built by Herod the Great between 22 and 15 B.C. As for the Castle's design, the inspiration was ancient. The architect would prove to be one of the most famous in his field and was mandated to rebuild the Royal Palace of La Almudaina right across the bay while working on the castle's finer details until 1314. The monarch chose Pere Salvà to spearhead the project. Ultimately, King James II had Bellver Castle built as a hub for him to consolidate his territories.Ĭristian Bortes/Flickr The donjon of Bellver Castle. James II was not only Mallorca's king but the lord of Roussillon and Cerdanya counties and the dominion of Montpellier. Construction began in 1300 and would largely conclude in 1309, though the detailed ornamentation would take another five years. King James II was also eager to make the structure just as palatial as it was fortified, as Castell de Bellver was to become his primary residence when he wasn't on the Spanish mainland. The hilltop altitude of 369 feet also provided the monarch with a perfect defensive position in the event of an attack. King James II had more in mind than picturesque views when he chose Bellver Castle's mountainous location. A walkable museum today, Bellver Castle once served as the island residence for Spanish kings - and a penitentiary for political prisoners. With a unique circular design, three defensive towers, and a free-standing donjon, the hilltop castle withstood two medieval sieges and only fell into enemy hands once. Constructed from the very rock it was built on, the castle is as picturesque as it is historic. The Catalan translation of "castle with a beautiful view" is rather apt, as the 14th-century fortress overlooks Palma's port. Bellver Castle is known locally among Spanish islanders of Palma, Mallorca, as Castell de Bellver.
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