A visit to the Castell de Bellver (Bellver Castle) is mandatory on any trip to Palma. On its ground floor is the Municipal Museum of History, encircling the central courtyard.

Visiting the museum is a perfect way to get an idea of the evolution of Palma through its three main periods of history: the Romans, the Moors and the Christians. Maps of the city during each of its periods, with its chronology and information boards, tell the story of how Palma, given its name by Roman general Quintus Caecilius Metellus Pius, then became Medina Mayurqa under Moorish control, and later called itself Mallorca during the creation of the Kingdom of Mallorca, restoring the name of Palma after the arrival of Philip V of Spain’s troops in the city.