Royal Palace of La Almudaina

Palacio Real de la Almudaina

The Royal Palace of La Almudaina (Catalan: Palau Reial de l'Almudaina, pronounced [pə'law rə'jal də ləlmu'ðajnə]) is one of the official residences of the Spanish royal family. Categorized as an Alcázar (fortified palace), it is located in Palma, the capital city of the Island of Mallorca, Spain.

History

This imposing alcázar, known at the time of the conquest with the name of "Zuda", was rebuilt in 1309 by the King James II of Majorca, according to the model of the Royal Palace of Perpignan. In La Almudaina, the monarchs of the Kingdom of Majorca, the Aragonese monarchs and Spanish monarchs had their court successively. Philip II of Spain destined the "Tinell" to Real Audiencia and installed in the rest of the building the General Captaincy of the Islands.

The current structure of La Almudaina corresponds to the one built in the 14th century with its different spaces; the palaces of the King and of the Queen, the chapel of Saint Anne or the baths, are the most outstanding.

Its decoration presents two environments, on the ground floor the medieval style is recreated with works from the 15th to the 20th centuries. The upper floor, used for the celebration of official acts of the royal family, is decorated with objects and furniture from other Royal Sites of the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries.

The current castle, of Roman origin, is a modification of the Muslim alcázar begun in 1281, it lasted until 1343, during the reigns of James II of Majorca, Sancho of Majorca and James III of Majorca. La Almudaina was the seat of the prosperous Majorcan kingdom of 14th century, until passing to the Crown of Aragon with Peter IV in 1349.

During the first half of 16th century the upper floor was built by order of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor.

In the same way as in the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina, is the official summer residence of the King, as well as other members of the Spanish royal family, who also reside in the Palace of Marivent and in the Palacio de la Zarzuela in Madrid.

External links

• Patrimonio Nacional | Royal Palace of La Almudaina
• Almudaina Palace, NorthSouthGuides Royal Almudaina Palace, Mallorca