The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is opposite Palma Cathedral, in the centre of Palma. It began as a Muslim fortress and later became a royal residence, so its rooms mix Moorish, Gothic and Mudéjar details. The Great Hall, the painted wooden ceilings and the old tapestries are the highlights, and the terraces look out over Palma Bay. The palace is still used for official events of the Spanish royal family.
From Muslim fortress to royal palace
The palace was built as a Muslim fortress, an alcázar, in the 10th century. Around the end of the 13th century it became a residence for the Mallorcan monarchs.
King James II later renovated the existing palace, modelling it on the French palace in Perpignan, which was the capital of the kingdom. The architect Ponç des Coll was commissioned for the work, which was built over the earlier Arab palace in the Levantine Gothic style.
Architecture: Mudéjar ceilings, Gothic vaults and sea arches
The palace mixes styles that are easy to tell apart once you know what to look for. Painted wooden Mudéjar ceilings, including a black and white checkerboard pattern, sit beside wide southern Gothic vaulting.
Pointed arches on the seafront side keep the Moorish character of the original fortress. Arcades open toward palm trees and the sea.
Inside the palace
Some of the halls are open to the public, and the route covers both floors. The Salón de Tinell, the Great Hall, is one of the most notable spaces, because the last Moorish ruler, Abu Yayah, signed the formal surrender there.
The 14th-century Chapel of Saint Anne has decorative columns carved with fantastical animals. Most of the rooms are bare, but the tapestries and furniture from different periods are the highlight. The courtyards and terraces give views over Palma Bay.
A royal residence in use
The palace is the official residence of the Spanish royal family on Mallorca and is used for official ceremonies and receptions. The royal family is rarely in residence, because they prefer to spend summers at Palau Marivent in Cala Major.
Each summer, a cocktail reception for Mallorcan society is held here, so the rooms are still part of island life.
Planning your visit
Plan for about 45 minutes to an hour. A visitor who walked around without a guide needed 45 minutes, and an audio guide or a guided tour will make the visit longer.
Tickets can be bought at the entrance or online, and booking ahead is recommended. EU citizens can enter free during set hours listed at the entrance, so check the official website before you go. The cathedral is next door, and Parc de la Mar is close by, so you can combine them in one day.
Häufige Fragen
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, there is a general entrance fee. EU citizens can enter free during set hours listed at the entrance, so check the official website before you go.
How long do you need?
Most visitors need 45 minutes to an hour. Audio guides come in half-hour and one-hour versions, and a guided tour is also available.
Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Advance booking is recommended, but tickets can also be bought at the entrance or online.
Is the palace open on Mondays?
No, the palace is closed on Mondays.
