Living in Alcucia, discover its historic center

On the northern coast of Mallorca lies the city of Alcudia, an ideal place to live near the sea while enjoying all the amenities of a modern, cosmopolitan city with a heart full of history.

The name Alcudia, like many other place names on the island, comes from Arabic and means hill. However, its historical origins date back to 70 BC, when the Romans founded a new city from the settlement of Pollentia.

The Origins of Pollentia, the Roman City

Pollentia was founded by the Roman consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus in 123 BC, after the conquest of Mallorca.

This date is significant for the island as it marks the beginning of urban life: between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD, Alcudia and Pollença, which had caught the Romans' attention for their strategic location, built the city of Pollentia between them, becoming the most important city in the Balearic Islands at that time.

Pollentia covered an area of 15 to 20 hectares, with a north-south grid layout and an enviable urban organization, including a sewer system and a potable water supply network.

In the central area, the city had a forum, which was the plaza and the space for public life. Here, there was a Capitol Temple accompanied by two smaller temples, a large commercial area, and many decorative elements that speak of Pollentia's importance.

Outside the city, there was a theatre, located near the site where the port would have been in Roman times, and it is one of the most representative elements of the entire complex.

The most interesting part is that it is a theatre carved into the rock, utilising the natural slope of the terrain. It retains much of the original structure, to the extent that today you can observe the three most notable elements: the cavea, the orchestra, and the stage.

The Roman theatre of Pollentia regains its former splendor every August, as the Alcudia City Council turns it into the stage for many activities during the "Agosto a la fresca" program.

The Middle Ages: Alcudia's Golden Era

Now we stroll through the Middle Ages in Alcudia, which is particularly reflected in its old town. It is a well-preserved neighborhood, with its stone houses, centuries-old streets, and the wall that surrounds what was the original nucleus, clearly testifying that the medieval period was one of the city's best times.

As with any wall, it had defensive functions. It's important to remember that Alcudia is located very close to the sea and was always exposed to attacks from pirates and corsairs who sailed the Mediterranean and did not hesitate to raid the Mallorcan coasts to capture its inhabitants and sell them as slaves. The wall is six meters high and one kilometer long.

In the 14th century, King Jaume II ordered the construction of the wall to protect the citizens. The structure was planned with three openings or access gates, strategically distributed to allow or deny entry to the citadel. They were named Porta del Moll, Porta de la Vila Roja, and Porta de Mallorca.

It is very interesting to observe the city from the wall’s walkway, following the same path that guards stationed on the wall took to watch for and warn of incoming intruders.

The Centre of Alcudia

Once you've walked the wall, you reach the old town, where a visit to the archaeological museum is recommended, one of the most important in Mallorca.

Additionally, in the parish church of Sant Jaume, dating back to the late 19th century and originally integrated into the wall, there is another museum displaying various important objects: old liturgical vestments and archaeological finds from the Roman period, forming a small but interesting monograph.

By observing the coins, marble tablets, mosaic tesserae, and amphorae, you can glimpse the way of life in the Roman city of Pollentia.

In the center of Alcudia, you can visit the Gothic church of the Oratory of Santa Anna, one of the city's oldest buildings, dating back to the 18th century, and located on the southern edge of the wall.

The surrounding area is notable for the facades of the houses, which have a stately appearance and are very well maintained, dating back to the Renaissance period. These homes belonged to the wealthiest and most affluent families, and you can still see the coats of arms with the surnames of the original owners.

Between history and museums, the old quarter of Alcudia is a perfect place to have lunch, dinner, or a drink, as it is filled with terraces, artisan product shops, and cafes.

During the day, especially on weekends, the streets are filled with visitors, both foreigners and Mallorcans, who stroll and shop, enjoying the atmosphere.

At night, the walls are illuminated, giving an almost surreal, timeless image, despite the modern electricity making the scene possible.