Palace of the Kings of Majorca

Perpignan, France

The Palace of the Kings of Majorca is a palace and a fortress with gardens overlooking the city of Perpignan. In 1276, King James II of Majorca made Perpignan the capital of the Kingdom of Majorca. He started to build a palace with gardens on the hill on the south of the town. It was completed in 1309.

In 1415, the Holy Roman Emperor, Sigismund of Luxemburg, organised a European summit in Perpignan, to convince the Avignon Antipope Benedict XIII to resign his office and take to an end the Western Schism through the Council of Constance. On 20 September 1415, the Emperor met with Pope Benedict XIII at the palace with the King Ferdinand I of Aragon and the delegations of the Counts of Foix, Provence, Savoy, Lorraine, the embassy of the Roman church for the Council of Constance, and embassies from the Kings of France, England, Hungary, Castille and Navarre. The pope refused to resign and to recognise the Pope that the Council had chosen, clashing with the emperor who left Perpignan on 5 November.

Part of the northern wing of the palace was destroyed in a siege in 1502. Following the Treaty of the Pyrenees in 1659, France gained Roussillon, and proceed to develop the defensive features of the palace.

Architecture

The palace was built in the Gothic style. It is organised around three courtyards 60 m square. The first foremen on the site were Ramon Pau and especially Pons Descoyl, very active in Perpignan and the Baleares. It has two chapels, one above the other: the lower is the Queen's Chapel, while the upper is Holy Cross with a pink marble door.

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Details

Founded: 1276-1309
Category: Castles and fortifications in France
Historical period: Late Capetians (France)

Rating

4.2/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Juhi Parekh (3 months ago)
It is a cultural heritage of kings of Majorca. It has great view of town . Not so great if you do not have enough time . You have to walk a bit to go to this place . It is not crowded nor busy at any times. No restaurants for aroudn 1.5kms .
Kirill Maksimkin (4 months ago)
It’s both a very important ancient fortress and an art place with different exhibits dedicated to modern art. I would say that it’s worth it as you can know the historical of the place, enjoy a breathtaking view and walk around. Overall it feels a bit empty as some rooms have no exhibits but it’s definitely a must see place.
Nik H (5 months ago)
If you are in the city and have spare time, you might as well visit this place. Entrance fee needs to be paid. It's nice that you can basically walk around freely and see the palace at your own speed. Bit unfortunate that the rooms were basically completely empty. That's a bit odd. Would have been nicer with some furniture and paintings etc. Nice view from the top.
Bob Kimmerling (5 months ago)
Beautiful Palace and not at all busy. Well worth a couple of hours to visit. They have a coffee machine but a pity there is no cafe
Trung-Tin Dinh (7 months ago)
Visiting the Palais des Rois de Majorque in Perpignan is like stepping back in time to the medieval Mediterranean. This 13th-century palace, once the heart of the Kingdom of Mallorca, is a stunning example of Gothic architecture. The palace’s grandeur is evident from the moment you approach its imposing walls and towers. Inside, the palace offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. The rooms, though mostly unfurnished, allow you to appreciate the architectural beauty and historical significance of the site. The views from the top are breathtaking, offering panoramic vistas of Perpignan and the surrounding mountains. One of the highlights of the visit is the interactive film/cartoon that brings the history of the palace to life in a fun and engaging way. It’s a great addition that makes the experience enjoyable for visitors of all ages. The palace is well-maintained, and the staff are friendly and knowledgeable, providing valuable insights into the history and significance of the site. Whether you’re a history buff or just looking for a unique and enriching experience, the Palais des Rois de Majorque is a must-visit when in Perpignan.
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