Built in the Middle Ages, Le Palais des Rois de Majorque is a remarkable monument in the Perpignan Méditerranée area that's well worth a visit!
The palace is one of the most highly recommended monuments in Perpignan. Come and visit it, learn more about it and understand the impact of the Kingdom of Majorca in the construction of the city of Perpignan.
The origin and history of the palace
The Palace and Kingdom of Majorca form a rich part of Perpignan's history. The creation of the Kingdom of Majorca sealed the link between Perpignan, its capital and Spanish Catalonia.
Late 13th century
James II, King of Aragon, also known as James the Conqueror, decided to make Perpignan the capital of his kingdom. The city became the economic, political and cultural hub of the medieval Mediterranean. On his death, his son Jacques II succeeded him, becoming King of Majorca in 1276. He had the Palace of the Kings of Majorca built and settled there with his court.
Until the 20th century
Construction was completed around 1344, following the fall of the Kingdom of Majorca and a long period of construction work. Due to Perpignan's special status at the time, the palace became a bastioned citadel in the 16th century. The construction of a wall around its perimeter became necessary, as the city controlled the border between the unified kingdom of the Iberian Peninsula and the kingdom of France. Vauban had little work to do at the end of the 17th century, given the solidity of the ramparts. He did, however, make his contribution by reinforcing two bastions.
Since 1958
The palace has been owned and preserved by the Pyrénées-Orientales department since 1958. Over the years, it has served as an arsenal and military barracks. An army detachment still occupies part of the palace.
The architecture
Perched on a hill in the heart of Perpignan, the palace dominates the city and its citadel.
Gothic style
The palace's style is also based on Arabo-Hispanic culture and Romanesque art.
The palace was designed with river pebbles and red brickwork. To give it a royal dimension, painters used trompe-l'œil stonework on the walls. And the door to the Sainte-Croix chapel is made of pink marble.
The palace has retained its authenticity, as with the starry sky in the King's Upper Chapel, also known as the Holy Cross Chapel. However, it lacks the plasterwork and painted decorations, commissioned by James II, on all the walls and ceilings.
Grandeur and excess
You're bound to pass by the square main courtyard, the grand staircases, the large rooms... Don't miss the two towers, one made of two superimposed chapels and the other offering a panoramic view of the whole region on a clear day.
In all sobriety
The gardens, modest in scale but rich in species (olive, fig, orange and jujube trees), also add to the garden's cachet, evoking plantings between the 13th and 15th centuries. Discover how this garden was irrigated by the noria. Surrounding the palace, the gardens offer a view over the rooftops of Perpignan.
Getting there to visit
The Palais des Rois de Majorque is located in Rue des Archers, Perpignan. Partly renovated, it can be visited freely, or with a guided tour lasting around 1h15 (at no extra charge). Events are organized throughout the year (concerts, cultural events, sound and light shows, etc.).
Contact thePerpignan Tourist Office for times and prices.
Perpignan Tourist Office
Place de la Loge, 66000 Perpignan
Tel. 04 68 66 30 30.
Tour highlights
Two rooms are dedicated to exhibitions. One showcases temporary works by local artists. And the other invites visitors to discover Perpignan garnet, the semi-precious Catalan stone used by jewellers to produce unique pieces of jewelry.
