Palace of the Kings of Majorca, Perpignan
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Palais des Rois de Majorque - by Management





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.
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
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:1h 30m
Start of Season 1:Apr, 01
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
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