Capdepera Castle: A Historic Fortified Village in Mallorca, Spain

Visitor Information

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Official Website: www.capdeperacastell.com

Country: Spain

Civilization: Early Modern, Medieval European, Medieval Islamic, Modern

Site type: Military

Remains: Castle

History

Capdepera Castle is located in the municipality of Capdepera on the island of Mallorca, Spain. This fortified village was founded by Christian rulers of the House of Barcelona during the early 14th century.

The origins of the site trace back to an earlier Islamic defensive tower known as Torre d’en Miquel Nunis, constructed between the 10th and 12th centuries. This tower served as part of the fortifications during Muslim rule and was later integrated into the castle complex established by Christian forces.

In 1300, King James II of Majorca ordered the construction of the fortified village to encourage dispersed rural populations to settle within secure walls and to strengthen control over sea routes leading to the nearby island of Menorca. The castle’s strategic position allowed it to oversee maritime traffic and defend against regional threats.

An important historical event connected to the site is the 1231 Treaty of Capdepera, signed within the Islamic tower before the full castle was built. Following a cunning military ruse by King James I of Aragon, who used a system of signal fires to suggest a large Christian force, the Muslim rulers of Menorca agreed to accept his sovereignty and pay tribute to avoid conflict.

The fortified settlement was originally designed to house approximately 50 families, totaling around 200 inhabitants. However, by the late 16th century, the population expanded to roughly 150 houses. This growth was primarily a response to frequent pirate attacks in the region, which drove inhabitants from smaller villages to seek protection within the castle’s walls.

During the 18th century, Bourbon reforms transformed the castle’s defense structure. The responsibility shifted from local civilian militias to a professional military garrison commanded by a governor residing in the Casa del Governador. Over time, as regional security improved and military needs changed, the civilian population began to leave the castle.

By the mid-19th century, the military presence was withdrawn, with the last soldiers departing in 1854. The property was auctioned in 1862 and gradually fell into decline. Despite this, some religious services resumed in the castle’s church starting in 1871.

Since 1983, ownership of Capdepera Castle has rested with the local municipality. Efforts to preserve and restore its remains have been supported by a dedicated patronage, safeguarding the site’s historical legacy.

Remains

Capdepera Castle occupies a triangular area of approximately 8,069 square meters atop Puig de Capdepera, a hill rising 159 meters above sea level. The enclosing defensive walls form a near-triangular shape, sloping gently upward toward the north. Constructed from stone and mortar, these walls extend roughly 75 meters along the east side, 80 meters on the southwest, and 100 meters on the northwest.

The castle’s fortifications include several towers positioned along the walls. On the east side lie the Torre d’en Banya and the Torre de ses Dames, while the Torre de sa Boira guards the main gate known as Portalet, dating from the 16th century. Another stronghold, the Torre des Costerans, stands on the southwest wall, whereas the northwest wall lacks towers and ends near the castle’s church.

The earlier Islamic structure, Torre d’en Miquel Nunis, originally a 10-meter-high square tower dating to between the 10th and 12th centuries, remains partially intact at about half its original height. It features a spiral staircase within and was adapted in the 19th century into a mill, receiving a distinctive conical upper section during this conversion.

At the northern corner inside the walls is the Església de Nostra Senyora de l’Esperança. Initially constructed in the 14th century as a chapel dedicated to Saint John (Sant Joan), it was progressively expanded through to the 18th century into a fortified church. The church’s windowless walls and side chapels reflect defensive needs, and it contains a Gothic wooden Christ figure dating from the late 14th or early 15th century. The church’s roof served a dual purpose as a lookout point and platform for artillery.

Next to the church, a cistern built in the 14th century was used to collect rainwater, likely providing an essential supply during sieges. This underground water reservoir can be accessed through a vertical shaft, resembling a well, with mechanisms designed for drawing water.

The 18th-century Casa del Governador lies near the Torre d’en Miquel Nunis. Originally the residence of the castle’s governor, this building now functions as a museum devoted to the history of Capdepera Castle and displays traditional local crafts.

Within the enclosure, archaeological evidence reveals the foundations and fragments of up to 150 houses, many constructed against the outer walls or built on the hillside’s slopes. While most surviving structures remain in ruin, some have undergone restoration to stabilize and interpret the remains.

Restoration efforts during the late 19th century added historical-style battlements and openings called embrasures along the walls, enhancing their defensive appearance. More recently, a stone-paved walkway with metal railings was installed along the ramparts to facilitate safe access. Key defensive features throughout the castle include machicolations—stone openings above gateways and towers enabling defenders to drop objects or pour liquids onto attackers below.