Castell de Capdepera - medieval fortress on the northeast coast

Castell de Capdepera is a medieval fortress on Mallorca's northeast coast. The fort's remarkably good condition makes it a popular tourist attraction in the area.

Construction of the medieval castle complex

Castell de Capdepera castle dates back to the 14th century and is located on the 159 m high Puig de Capdepera on the northeast coast. The entire complex is surrounded by a fortified stone wall and is triangular in shape. A massive defence tower, which towers over the other towers rises from the entrance area. Due to the elevated position of the fortress, attackers coming from the plains could be spotted from a great distance. The entrance portal dates from the 16th century.

Among the oldest buildings is the Torre d'en Miquel Nunis, which was built between the 10th and 12th century in the Moorish era. Once upon a time the fortress played host to more than 100 houses. Of the original buildings, only the foundation walls are preserved. The governor's house (Casa del Governador) dating back to the 18th century has been comprehensively restored and today houses a small museum.

Church and cistern

Behind the ramparts northwest of the Torre d'en Miquel Nunis Nuestra Senyora de la Esperanza (Our Lady of Hope) church stands tall. The flat roof of the building was used to defend the complex and is now used by visitors as a lookout point. The church was built in three phases from the 14th to the 18th century. The side chapels are the youngest parts of the building and were added in the 18th century. The cistern on the southeast side of the church dates from the 14th century.

Rainwater collected in the well shaft was used by the inhabitants of the castle as drinking water for many years. Since the Castell de Capdepera is located on a hill and due to the narrow building no parking spaces are available - so tourists wishing to see the church will have to park the rental car in the centre of Capdepera and climb the mountain up almost 150 steps.