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Majorca Island is famous not only for having one of the best beaches but also for gorgeous historical attractions.
The Balearic Islands one of the groups of Spanish Islands that includes the largest ones: Majorca, Minorca, Ibiza and Formentera are situated in the Mediterranean Sea. All of them are major tourist destinations and are popular all over the world. They are among top 10 attractions in Spain. Ibiza is famous for its nightlife, Formentera for nude sunbathing, Minorca for summer fiestas while Majorca not only for its crystal clear beaches but also for its historically significant buildings such as Bellver castle, Royal Palace of La Almudaina and others.
Palma – the capital of Balearic Islands is advised to approach from the sea as the first thing you notice as you come closer is a magnificent Bellver Castle. The architecture is truly unique - it is a bright example of civil Gothic style. The castle itself has a shape of a wind rose. The castle consists of four towers and is surrounded by a moat for protection. It was built in the 14th century but it is so hard to believe in it as the castle looks absolutely fascinating. It is the only one circular castle in Spain and one of the first in Europe. Originally it was a royal residence but in the end of the 18th century it was started to be used as a political prison. In 1932 it became a museum of History and it currently visited by huge numbers of tourists. It also became one of the city’s bright symbols.
The other symbol of Majorca is Royal Palace of La Almudaina overlooking the capital city. It was originally built by Moors after the conquest of the island. Later, in 200 years when Moors left, the castle was in a bad condition and King James II decided to restore it. He hired the designer of Bellver Castle for this job. After the restoration some Moorish designs remained, 2 towers and a large dome however were added and the castle started to be used as the royal residence.
Nowadays the Palace houses the Capital General offices, the gardens beneath were made bigger and now are a perfect place for relaxing under the shadow of trees in extremely hot day. The Chapel of Saint Anne is the only example of Romanesque style on the island.
The castle is one of the most historically significant buildings on the island and you definitely should visit it even if you are not a history lover.
The interesting thing is when you come to Palma de Mallorca you expect to see the usual modern city, a center of entertainment and partying that has one of top 10 beaches in Spain. It is of course all true but also Palma as well as the island itself has a deep history and will be a perfect place for those of you willing not only to lie on the beach all day but also to explore the city’s historical attractions.
On the territory of the island there are also some ruined castles such as Castell d' Alaro and Castell del Rei, Pollenca so the visitors interested in history will have the opportunity to find the occupation during their vacation on the island.