Standing proudly atop a hill in Palma de Mallorca, Bellver Castle is a distinctive sight. Built in the 14th century for King James II of Aragon and Majorca, its rare circular design, with surrounding walls and an inner yard, boasts clear Islamic influences. Using rock from the very hill where it sits, this castle was built to serve as the residence of the kings of Majorca, although it was only rarely used as such. However, it was rarely used as such even earlier.
Intriguingly, the castle faced two sieges: the first in 1343 during Peter IV of Aragon's campaign, and the second in 1391 during an anti-semitic peasant revolt.
The castle's Lord Wardens faced a tough job, with the responsibility of keeping the castle secure. In 1408, King Martin I of Aragon gave the lordship of Bellver to the Charterhouse of Jesus of Nazareth in Valldemossa. Yet, Charles of Viana, the heir to the throne, arrived in 1459 to take possession of the castle, even though the king did not grant him the lordship.
Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons
Written by Nicolo Ciampini
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