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Palace of the Kings of Majorca, Perpignan

Rue des Archers, Perpignan, Occitanie

Description

The Palace of the Kings of Majorca in Perpignan was commissioned as a fortified residence in the 13th century by Jacques II de Majorque after its father, King of Aragon, bequeathed him the Baleares islands, and the comté de Roussillon (= a few other lands & rights) with the bulk of the rest of the kingdom going to his elder brother. There is a crenelated defensive wall and the main buildings are arranged around a central courtyard. The highlights are the large 'salle de Majorque' used for receptions and dispense justice, and the Sainte Croix Chapel with a design inspired by the Sainte Chapelle in Paris, a painted ceiling and Arabic Kufi script.

Access & Transport

The palace is accessed from rue des Archers, about 600m south of the centre of town. It can be challenging to find parking spaces. Perpignan is 12km from the Mediterranean sea and 30km north from the border with Spain. By road, it is 1h45 from Montpellier on the A9 and from Toulouse 2h on the A61/A9. The town is on the high speed train line between Montpellier and Barcelona. There is a 250m ramp with an incline of 5+% to reach the buildings and only some rooms & areas are accessible to visitors with reduced mobility (there is the option of a virtual visit).

Instructions & Recommendations

There are guided visits in French at regular interval - no additional fee applies. We suggest combining this attraction with an exploration of the town of Perpignan.

Meta review

Not really well-known outside of the immediate region but still considered a must see when in Perpignan by travel guidebooks and online reviewers alike. The main downside is that the interior is practically empty of decoration and furnishing so that, without the guided tour, the visit feels a little shallow. Recurring mentions of nice views over the Canigou summit by clear weather.

Environmental & Social

Environmentally neutral. Preserves the city's architectural and historical heritages

Conclusion

Not really spectacular for the self-guided visitor but stories & comments from a qualified guide will bring the place alive, setting the historical scene of the Roussillon and this particular palace. Worth a quick visit in any case if Perpignan is on your itinerary.

Key positive

Very interesting historical background

A few impressive rooms

Low admission fee

Key negative

Rooms are mostly empty

Suitability

Partially accessible to visitors with reduced mobility (wheelchair users may need assistance to reach the entrance via the long ramp)

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

March 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Last admission is 1h before closing. Open from 09h30 to 18h30 in July & August

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 18:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 18:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 18:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY10:00 - 17:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
€7
Adult
18 - 64
€7
Child
3 - 17
€0
Infant
0 - 2
€0
Free for students under 26yr residing in or from the EU

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