Cabrera Restores Its Castle to Protect A Mediterranean Icon

The Balearic Government seeks to reinforce this protected asset against erosion

What does it consist of?

Located in the largest coastal national park in the western Mediterranean, Cabrera Castle is undergoing restorative work that is slowly making progress. The project, which is still underway, is targeting key structures such as walls, terraces and staircases affected by damp and deterioration over time.

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Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
Cabrera Castle restoration project
LOCATION
Mallorca (Palma de Mallorca)
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Govern de les Illes Balears
Entity that executes the project
Direcció General d'Espais Naturals i Biodiversitat
Project code
ITS2019-083
Total project amount
859.105 €
ITS granted amount
859.105 €
Executed amount
47.621 €
Call year
2019
Execution status
In execution
Purpose
Cultural heritage
Budget execution
Executed: 5.54%
Last data request
11.08.2025

The project

On a rocky headland on the island of Cabrera, 72 metres above sea-level, stands one of the most unique fortifications on the Balearic coast. The castle, witness to corsair attacks, European wars and epidemics, is now the focus of an architectural publicly-funded restoration project led by the Balearic Government. The work, which is still in progress, aims to ensure the stability of the historic complex and its future conservation.

With a budget of over €850,000, the project includes preliminary studies and physical interventions on the most damaged areas. Repairs will be carried out on exterior walls, staircases, railings, the guardhouse, terraces and paving in the central courtyard. Traditional materials such as sandstone and hydraulic lime will be used, along with more modern materials that provide greater durability against coastal erosion.

Cabrera Castle was declared a Cultural Interest Asset in 1949, and its last major renovation was in 1982. Since it was first built in the 14th century, it has served as a defence, a place of worship, a hospital and even a prison. The current work is part of the archipelago’s strategy for protecting historical and natural elements, extended in 2019 to cover 90,000 hectares of protected land.

The challenge of this project is to combine respect for heritage with the technical conditions required due to insularity and the surrounding natural environment. This restoration not only aims to protect a building, but also to honour the collective history of Cabrera National Park.