History, architecture, nature and luxury come together at Bendinat Castle, a striking 19th-century neo-Gothic fortress that today serves as a venue for weddings, photo shoots, celebrations, private events and corporate conferences. Here's a closer look at the origins of this dreamlike setting.
Follow idealista/news in Spanish on the WhatsApp channel
An old marquis's residence surrounded by gardens
Bendinat Castle has a long history and, although it now functions as a venue for luxury events, its origins are very different:
- It was built in the town of the same name, in the municipality of Calviá, Mallorca, in the 19th century at the request of the 5th Marquis of La Romana.
- It follows the neo-Gothic style, which reinterpreted medieval Gothic architecture across Europe during that period.
- It is no coincidence that it has become a sought-after wedding venue: its origins are closely linked to the era's Romanticism, which celebrated freedom, emotion and symbolism.
These principles are reflected in its interiors, where flowing forms combine with elaborate ornamentation and the exuberance of its gardens.
As if that weren't enough, the castle is surrounded by woodland and enjoys views of the sea. A unique combination of features that come together to create an unforgettable setting.
Islamic footprints, a legend and a million-dollar art collection
Bendinat Castle was the result of the Marquis of La Romana, Pedro Caro's fascination with the great European castles of his time. However, the site's history stretches back much further: the fortress replaced the buildings of an old Islamic farmhouse, owned by a Mallorcan family before it passed into the hands of the Marquis.
According to local legend, King James I of Aragon camped in this area with his army during the conquest of Mallorca after a fierce battle against Muslim forces. The estate also contains a cistern and the remains of an aqueduct, thought to be vestiges of this period.
Much later, in 1999, an auction was held featuring some of the castle's possessions, including furniture dating from the 17th to the 20th centuries, as well as one of Mallorca's most important private art collections. The collection consisted of around 240 paintings accumulated by the families that had owned the property over the years.
In 2004, the castle and its 700 surrounding hectares were sold to the Astroc Foundation, which planned to transform it into a museum. However, in 2008 it returned to private ownership and has since served as a venue for luxury events on the island.
A multi-purpose fortress
The fortress is characterised by:
- A rectangular floor plan spread across two floors, with four corner towers.
- A central entrance leading to an ornate hall with a large neo-Gothic fireplace. This was originally the dining room and contains wall tapestries dating from 1883 and 1884 depicting medieval scenes.
- An interior courtyard featuring a gallery of 28 pointed arches, as well as a neo-Gothic portal leading to a distinctive staircase.
- A chapel with two rib-vaulted sections and a polygonal presbytery.
- The castle gardens, one of its most appreciated features, with a large pergola, a small fountain, cacti, mature ficus trees, several palm trees and a three-arched Neo-Baroque gallery.
As explained on the Bendinat Castle official website, venue hire includes:
- Exclusive access to the property.
- Assistance in coordinating the event.
- Lighting.
- Security.
- Cleaning services.
- You can also hire catering, decoration and entertainment.
