Royal Palace of La Almudaina facts for kids
The Royal Palace of La Almudaina is a very old and important building in Spain. It is one of the official homes for the Spanish royal family. This special palace is like a strong castle, called an Alcázar. You can find it in Palma, which is the main city on the island of Mallorca, in Spain.
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History of the Palace
This amazing palace was first known as "Zuda." King James II of Majorca had it rebuilt in 1309. He wanted it to look like the Royal Palace of Perpignan. Many kings and queens lived here over the years. First, the rulers of the Kingdom of Majorca lived here. Then, kings from Aragon and later from Spain made it their home.
Building the Palace
The palace you see today was mostly built in the 14th century. It has many different parts. Some of the most famous parts are the King's Palace, the Queen's Palace, the chapel of Saint Anne, and even old baths! The building is very old. It started as a Roman structure. Then, a Muslim alcázar was built there in 1281. The palace we know now was finished in 1343. This happened during the reigns of King James II of Majorca, his son Sancho of Majorca, and his grandson James III of Majorca.
A Royal Home for Centuries
La Almudaina was a very important place in the 14th century. It was the main seat for the rich Kingdom of Majorca. This lasted until 1349, when Peter IV took control for the Crown of Aragon. Later, in the early 1500s, King Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor ordered the upper floor to be built.
Modern Royal Use
Just like the Royal Palace of Madrid, the Royal Palace of La Almudaina is a summer home for the King of Spain. Other members of the Spanish royal family also use it. They also have other homes like the Palace of Marivent and the Palacio de la Zarzuela in Madrid.
Inside the Palace
The palace has different styles of decoration. On the ground floor, you can see a medieval style. This part has art from the 15th to the 20th centuries. The upper floor is used for official events by the royal family. This area is decorated with items and furniture from the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
