Almudaina Palace, Palma de Mallorca

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Pics:
- Main: Despacho de la Reina (Study of the Queen): The Monarchs held their private lunch and meetings with their consellors.

- Second: Despacho del Rey (Study of the King): The surrender of the Muslin Emir to James I took place here in 1.229.

- Third: Capilla de Santa Ana (St. Anne's Chapel): Typical Levantine gothic architecture.

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This palace was built centuries ago by Muslim rulers. It is located just across from the Palma Cathedral. My friends and I had fun venturing around the castle, feeling like we were royality.

Admission 3.20€ ($4.15) adults, 2.30€ ($3) children, free for all Wed

Bus: 15

Once the home of Moorish governors and the scene of jousting tournaments, the Palacio de la Almudaina was originally a citadel built just outside the city walls. It is perched on an escarpment that overlooks Palma Bay. The citadel had a solid outer wall (much of which is still standing today) that sheltered a rectangular building complete with five battlemented towers. Although the royal court had its official residence at Perpignan, Jaime II wanted to restore the citadel for his summer palace and so called in Pedro Salvá - the same architect who directed the construction of the Bellver Castle - to do so.

Jaime II modified the original citadel to a large extent to combine the solidity of the original Moslem construction with the rich appointments and comfortable design required by the Majorcan court. Thus, in 1309, the reconstruction began. By the time it was finished, four battlemented towers and a portico had been added - among other things.

Today, the Almudaina Palace houses the "Capitania General", or Harbor Office, of the Balearic Islands. It contains numerous works of art, including Flemish tapestries from the 16th and 17th centuries that illustrate episodes from Spanish history; 17th and 18th century Spanish tapestries; and banners decorated with scenes from the battle of Lepanto (1571), which the Spanish and Venetian fleets jointly defeated the Turkish fleet.

There is an audio tour available that guides visitors through the Almudaina’s austere but atmospheric rooms.

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Pics:
- Main: Despacho de ayudantes (Assistances office)

- Second, third and fourth: Salón Mayor (Main Hall)

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This 10th-century Muslin fortress was rebuilt in a gothic style after the catalan conquest in the 14th centuy.

Now, it is the King's official venue for ceremonies and receptions.