A palace fortress of the Kings of Majorca.
 

A palace fortress, built in the last quarter of the 12th century by the king Jacques 2nd of Majorca, who, in 1276, made Perpignan its capital.  It was destined to ensure military protection as well as housing the court and its followers.  Surrounded by gardens, it is located on a hill to the south of the town.

A panoramic view over Perpignan.
The Palace of the Kings of Majorca is a palace fortress in gothic style.  The architecture is based on three courtyards (around 60 metres long).  The first designers were Ramon Pau and above all Pons Descoyl, a very active figure in Perpignan and in the Balearic islands.

You can find here, grouped together in one « large room », the seat of the political power, the chapel and the royal residence.  The risen position of the chapel, in the heart of the royal apartments, facing the coronation room, shows the importance of religion over everyday matters.  The plans for the palace were strongly influenced by the Majorcan models, those of the chapel closely ressembling the chapel of Sainte-Chapelle de Paris, which was a little earlier.

The walls, built in round stones and in bricks sealed with mortar, were covered with lime and painted.  French windows, galleries, staircases, corner stones of the walls, main towers, all are made of cut stone:  Ocre stone from Les Fonts, blue stone from Baixas, sandstone, red marble from Villefranche-de-Conflent, white and blue stone from Ceret.

Emblematic, at the same time imposing and charming, it offers an exceptional panoramic view over Perpignan and the country.