Palatial architecture in The Kingdom of Mallorca. Symbols of power for a short-lived dynasty

Abstract

Between 1276 and 1343, Mallorca, Roussillon and Montpellier constituted an independent kingdom separated from the Crown of Aragon. Even though conflicts arose from this territorial partition, the new ruling dynasty was able to carry out a noteworthy artistic and architectural agenda which became particularly intense after 1300. The kings of Mallorca, especially James II, created a network of royal residences including the castles of Perpignan and Palma de Mallorca (The Almudaina, Bellver). Several factors made this possible: the political and economic stability of the new kingdom, the intensity of its commercial activity, and the creation of a strong tax system. The new Majorcan palaces met the needs of the traveling court, and provided symbolic representation of power for the new kingdom. The new crown, while vulnerable and geographically scattered, needed to use all available means in order to project an image of power and prestige. This was also demonstrated through the creation of spaces of worship and representation, the originality of Bellver Castle, and the strict ceremonial procedures at court as regulated in the Leges Palatinae. In the end, the political ambitions of the Crown of Aragon triumphed, but Majorcan artistic endeavors survived. They still bear eloquent witness to a short-lived dynasty that eagerly sought to create a backdrop for its royalty and demonstrate its majesty.