In 123 BC, Consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus founded the Roman city of Pollentia in what is now the municipality of Alcúdia (Mallorca). For a time, it was even the capital of Mallorca, mainly due to its strategic and advantageous geographical location.
Quickly, Pollentia became a prosperous center. It is estimated that the city covered a total area of between 15 and 20 hectares. Its remains were discovered in the 16th century between Alcúdia and Port d’Alcúdia, and today they are open to the public.
If on your vacation you want to enjoy not only the sun, the beach, and the sea, but you’re also interested in the history of Mallorca, you can’t miss visiting the ancient Roman city of Pollentia.
If you’re in Mallorca, visit Pollentia! It’s like a journey back in time, right to the heart of the Roman Empire.
Richard Hanke
Map and Location
Pollentia is located near Alcúdia in the northeast of Mallorca.
Pollentia: A Historic Site with a Splendid Past
Pollentia was a typical colonial city of the Roman Empire. It had a theater, a forum, monuments and temples, and even commercial streets. Almost every house in the settlement of La Portella had an interior courtyard, known as an atrium.
By the standards of the time, the city was very prosperous. The inhabitants had access to fresh drinking water, and there were even sewer systems.
Incluso el nombre de Pollentia sugiere prosperidad, ya que se traduce como “The Mighty.” The first excavations began in 1923, and in 1946 Pollentia was declared a National Historic-Artistic Site. Since then, the ancient city has become a popular destination for history enthusiasts.
A fascinating visit to the Pollentia site in Mallorca
The current archaeological site is divided into three areas. In the residential quarter of La Portella, at the northern end, visitors can explore the ruins of three houses. Each has its own name: the House of the Two Treasures, the House of the Bronze Head, and the House of the Northwest. The remains of the ancient street that connected the houses can also be clearly seen.
From Pollentia La Portella, visitors can reach the Roman Forum. It was the civic, economic, and religious center of Pollentia. Among the ruins, the Capitol Temple, built in the 1st century BC, stands out. The forum is an archaeological site where research and work are still ongoing: it’s possible that some areas are covered with tarps to protect them from the weather.
A path connects the Forum with the Teatre Romà, the Roman theater. Ten of the stone tiers are still very well preserved. Stairs carved into the rock lead up between the tiers.
Additionally, very close by on Carrer Sant Jaume, is the Monographic Museum of Pollentia, established in 1987, which is also highly recommended. It is located in the former hospital of Alcúdia. Here, tourists can admire fascinating findings from the Roman city of Pollentia: amphorae and coins, ceramic and bronze vessels, as well as funerary items and mosaics.
A fascinating destination for all ages
The Roman city of Pollentia in Alcúdia showcases a completely different and historical facet of Mallorca. The excavations, which can be seen in the extensive site, vividly represent the Roman era of the island of Mallorca.
Here, all visitors can gain an authentic and realistic impression of the past. Information about the excavations can be accessed via a QR code, or alternatively, additional details can be found in a brochure available on-site.
Good to know:
The ancient Roman city of Pollentia is located near the church of Alcúdia Sant Jaume, with the site entrance on Avinguda dels Prínceps d’Espanya. Admission is 4 euros per adult starting May 2024.
Conclusión
Although Pollentia is not as impressive as the major excavations of the Roman Forum in Rome, it is an excellent place for those interested in history or who simply want to enjoy a pleasant stroll through it.
In my experience, children often find themselves fascinated by this unique monument in Mallorca.
Attractions near Pollentia:
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12 km
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