Royal Palace of La Almudaina facts for kids
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is a beautiful old castle in Palma, on the island of Mallorca, Spain. It's one of the official homes for the Spanish royal family. This amazing palace started as an old Arabian fortress. Big changes were made to it in the early 1300s. It stands right across from the famous Palma Cathedral.
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History of the Royal Palace
From Fortress to Royal Home
Long ago, this strong building was known as "Zuda." It was a powerful fortress built by the Muslims. In 1298, King James II of Majorca took back the Kingdom of Majorca. He decided to make the city look new and grand.
Part of his plan was to turn the old fortress into a royal palace. Work on the palace began in 1305. It continued between 1309 and 1314. During this time, a large hall was built. A sculpture of the Archangel St Gabriel was added. Also, St Anne's Chapel was founded inside the palace.
Home to Many Kings
Over the years, many kings lived in La Almudaina. First, the monarchs of the Kingdom of Majorca used it. Then, kings from Aragon and later Spain made it their court.
Philip II of Spain used a part of the palace called the "Tinell" for important meetings. He also set up the main military office for the islands there.
Changes Over Time
The palace you see today mostly looks like it did in the 1300s. It has different areas, like the King's and Queen's palaces. The chapel of Saint Anne and the old baths are also very special.
The palace has two main styles of decoration. The ground floor looks like a medieval castle. It has art from the 1400s to the 1900s. The upper floor is used by the royal family for official events. It is decorated with furniture and items from the 1600s, 1700s, and 1800s.
The castle's history goes back even further to Roman times. The Muslim fortress was changed into the current castle starting in 1281. This work continued until 1343. It happened during the reigns of James II, Sancho of Majorca, and James III of Majorca.
La Almudaina was the main seat of the rich Majorcan kingdom in the 1300s. In 1349, it became part of the Crown of Aragon under Peter IV of Aragon. In the early 1500s, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor ordered the upper floor to be built.
A Royal Summer Residence Today
Just like the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina is an official summer home for the King of Spain. Other members of the Spanish royal family also stay there. They also have other homes like the Palace of Marivent and the Palacio de la Zarzuela in Madrid.
See also
In Spanish: Palacio Real de la Almudaina para niños
