Bellver Castle in Palma.

Bellver Castle in Palma. | Majorca Daily Bulletin reporter

Humphrey CarterPalma25/10/2023 12:52
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Mallorca has one of the most haunted castles in Europe. According to StarsInsider, Bellver Castle in Palma, wich was built in the 14th century and is unique in Spain for its circular design, is known for its dungeon, the infamous olla, or pot, into which prisoners were thrown and left to swelter in the summer heat or freeze to death in winter.

“Their wretched cries are said by some to be carried on the wind that funnels through Bellver’s narrow alleys and tunnels.”

The castle first served as the residence of the Kings of Majorca, and afterward long used as a military prison throughout the 18th to mid-20th century, it is now under civilian control, being one of the main tourist attractions of the island, as well as the seat for the city’s History Museum.

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The castle’s plan, a circular floor with round towers attached to it, seems to have been inspired by the upper complex of the Herodion, a 15 BCE hilltop palace in the West Bank, that was also circular and had a large principal tower and three minor towers as well. They are attached while the principal one is coupled to the complex by a high bridge over the surrounding moat.

The main part of the fortification was built by architect Pere Salvà, who also worked in the construction of the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, together with other master masons between 1300 and 1311 for King James II of Aragon and Mallorca.

Rock from the hill where the castle sits was used for the building, which has eventually led to the appearance of cracks.

Once the castle had been built, and following the introduction of artillery, the battlements on the top balconies and the barbican disappeared, being soon followed by those in every tower; loopholes were built instead.