Bellver Castle in Plama increases in popularity
Visitor numbers and profits rise at Bellver Castle.
The mighty Bellver Castle is now Mallorca's second most visited monument and this year has seen a 7.5% increase in visitor numbers and a 70 % increase in income.
The castle is now under a new management run jointly by Palma City and Bellver Castle. The castle is a popular tourist attraction that draws bus loads of sightseers each day. Visitor numbers have increased by 5362 to 84 979 in the first quarter of this year , compared to the same period in 2012. The opening times have been changed and new entrance fees have been introduced as well but the major change is that the site has become a popular destination for photographers and film makers.
In the past the castle was closed on Mondays but the opening hours have been extended so that the castle is open to the public from 8am until 1pm after which time it is available for photography and filming. This new use of the castle as a backdrop for film and photography has brought in 33% of the new income and has been seen as a natural evolution in the commercial nature of the castle.
The castle is nearly 700 years old and houses a museum about the history of Palma as well as commanding spectacular views of the bay below. You can reach Bellver Castle from Palma by Taxi or take the open top tourist bus. It is quite a climb from Palma to the castle but if you are feeling fit then it does make a good bike ride too.
The castle is open daily during the summer from 8.30 – 20:00, except on Mondays when it is open from 8.00 'til 13.00. There are guided tours around the castle available, the museum of Palma's history as well as concerts and performances in the evenings. Find out more about Bellver Castle and other Castles in Mallorca here on seemallorca.com.
