Roman Remains of Pollentia

Alcúdia, Spain

Pollentia was founded by the consul Qintus Caecilius Metellus in 123 BC in the strategic location between the bays of Pollenca and Alcudia. It was the most important city in the Balearics duing the Roman period and covered an area of 15-20 hectares.

This area suffered a devastating fire in the 3rd century AD, but the city was not depopulated, since the construction of a fortification in the fifth century AD has been documented in the same forum. In the following centuries, the Pollentia site was partially or totally unpopulated, with the Christian medieval population settling down a bit further north, in the present town of Alcúdia. Excavations, since the 16th century, but especially since the beginning of the 20th century, have occurred mainly in the area of Sa Portella (a residential district), Camp d'en França (the city forum and the tabernae), and in the Roman theater.

There is also a museum, the Museu Monografic de Pollentia in the centre of Alcudia (by the church) which displays many of the objects found on the site.

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Founded: 123 BC
Category: Prehistoric and archaeological sites in Spain

Rating

4.2/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Randomid (13 months ago)
A fantastic chance to feel what life was like in the past when visiting the foundations of a Roman town dating back to the time Christ walked the earth. There's also a well-preserved amphitheater surrounded by overhanging trees that's flanked by distant mountains. There's a surprising level of interactivity here, too, as you can touch the brickwork and pillars, provided you don't overstep the guided paths. It's a must stop for any traveller.
Natalia Casas (13 months ago)
Really cute wall. You can walk on the top and take great pictures of the surrounding mountains. I recommend going during the late afternoon to catch the sun going down.
Giovanni Caruso (15 months ago)
Very well assembled, planned and organized. The audio guide by university of portland is really enjoyable. It is really, really worth for the price of 4 €, which comprises the entrance to the museum, by the Church.
Paul Tooze (No Journey Too Small) (17 months ago)
I really enjoy these historic finds and archaeological digs, there’s still so much to find. This site covers quite a large expanse of land and requires about 20 minutes of walking. I’m here in June, mid afternoon and it’s very hot, bring a hat and water. Or come early on. The entrance fee is €4 which does include a visit to the Museum over the road which has some excellent finds and depictions There is the site of the town, the square and amphitheatre, also is a burial site and well. Many more things they know about and need to dig. An interesting hour Parking close by.
Julie Forsyth (18 months ago)
Enjoyed visiting the site, plenty of information boards around and the ticket for the ruins also gets you into the museum across the road to see some of the artifacts that have been recovered. We spent around 1.5 hours doing both but didn't really rush. Take insect repellent.
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