Heritage and history of Alcudia: from Pollentia to medieval walls

Alcudia is not just nature and beaches. It's one of the sites with greatest heritage wealth in Balearics: an intact Roman city, medieval walls among the best preserved in Europe, and an old town breathing history in every stone. Living here means having 2,000 years of culture at your doorstep.

Pollentia: the Roman city (123 BC - 5th century AD)

History and foundation

• Foundation: 123 BC by Roman consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus
• Name: "Pollentia" (power, strength) - Roman capital of Mallorca
• Importance: Strategic city on Mediterranean trade route
• Decline: 5th century AD with Vandal invasions
• Rediscovery: Excavations since 1923, continue currently

What to visit at the site

Roman theater (1st-2nd century AD)

• Original capacity: ~2,000 spectators
• Conservation state: Tiers and stage partially reconstructed
• Curiosity: Used until 4th century, then stone quarry in middle ages
• Current events: Concerts and performances in summer

Roman forum

• Central public square of city
• Remains of temples, columns, original pavements
• Tabernae (shops) on perimeter

Residential area (La Portella)

• Aristocratic homes with central courtyards
• Polychrome mosaics in situ
• Hypocaust heating system visible

Pollentia Monographic Museum

• Location: Calle Sant Jaume, Alcudia center
• Collection: Excavated pieces: ceramics, coins, sculptures, jewelry
• Highlighted: Head of Augustus (bronze, 1st century AD), mosaics
• Entrance: €4 (combined site + museum)

Medieval walls (14th century)

Wall history

• Construction: Started 1362 by order of King James III
• Reason: Protection against Barbary piracy
• Original length: 1.5 km completely surrounding town
• Current conservation: 80% original perimeter intact
• Declaration: Asset of Cultural Interest (BIC)

Defensive elements

• Towers: 26 square and circular towers
• Gates: 2 main (Puerta de Xara and Puerta de Mallorca)
• Bastions: Reinforcements at strategic corners
• Wall walk: Partially walkable (panoramic views)

Walk along walls

• Access: Multiple stairs from old town
• Accessible sections: ~800 meters walkable
• Views: Town rooftops, bay, mountains
• Hours: Dawn-dusk (free exterior access)
• Tower interior: 10:00-18:00h, entrance €3

Medieval old town

Civil architecture

• Stately homes: 16th-18th century, interior courtyards, noble gates
• Can Torró: Municipal library in 14th century house
• Can Castell: Fortified house, today municipal offices

Religious architecture

• Sant Jaume Church: 14th century Gothic, single nave, spectacular rose window
• Santa Anna Oratory: 17th century Baroque, small but charming
• Roser Vell Chapel: 13th century Romanesque (oldest)

Living heritage: traditions

Sant Jaume Festival (July 25)

• Alcudia patron saint, centenary celebration
• Dimonis (demons) dancing through streets
• Popular verbena, fireworks

Traditional market (Tuesdays and Sundays)

• Since medieval times (documented 15th century)
• Local produce, crafts
• Maintains original essence

Annual cultural events

• Festival Músics a la fresca: July-August, concerts at Roman theater
• Nit de l'Art: September, galleries open at night
• Fires i Festes: October, historical medieval fair
• Dijous Bo: November, traditional agricultural market

Conclusion: history as neighbor

Living in Alcudia means having 2,000 years of history at your doorstep. It's not an isolated museum: it's heritage integrated into daily life. You walk along Roman walls on way to supermarket, shop at medieval market on Sundays, attend concerts at 1st century AD theater.

This cultural density is one of Alcudia's most valuable intangible assets, and something that differentiates living here from living in any coastal development.