The Roman Town of Pollentia
The Roman town of Pollentia, called now Pol·lèntia in Catalan, is to be found on the outskirts of the mediaeval walls of the historic centre of Alcúdia. It is one of the two towns, the other one was the present Palma, founded by the consul Quintus Caecilius Metellus, leader of the Roman expedition that dominated the island in 123 BC. The remains occupy an area of some 12 hectares and the group includes the residential district Portella, where the excavations have uncovered two streets and several houses, plus the Forum, the public square where singular buildings have been found, such as the Capitol Temple dedicated to imperial cult. As from the III century AD a wall was built of which 100 metres are preserved. On the outskirts of the town, some 10 minutes on foot, is the Roman theatre, built at the end of the I century AD with a capacity for 2000 people. The Roman town started its decline as from the IV century AD, particularly after the Vandal and Byzantine invasions.
Although the ruins of the town were known since the XVI century, the first excavations were not carried out until the beginning of the XX century, caused in no small way by the confusion generated by the name of the town, since the situation of the ancient Pollentia was thought to coincide with the present day Pollença, the neighbouring town that has kept this denomination. Since 1957 a team led by A. Arribas, M. Tarradell and D. Woods has been carrying out an annual campaign of excavations, sponsored by The William L. Bryant Foundation. During the work they have made some important archaeological discoveries, such as a bronze girl's head and several coins, which are kept in the Monographic Museum on Pol·lèntia. The finds indicate that this was a rich and refined town, connected and linked economically to Rome, Hispania and the north of Africa.
The Roman Town of Pollentia has been classed as Cultural Interest Heritage and also as a Historic Artistic Group, together with the historic centre of Alcúdia. At present, the administration of the remains and museum is by a consortium comprised of the Alcúdia Town Council and other institutions, such as the Mallorcan Council. Some 500 metres from the Roman remains, the Chapel of Santa Anna, dating from the XIII century, can also be visited.
The entrance fee to access the Roman Town is 2 euros. This also includes the visit to the Monographic Museum of Pol·lèntia, which is inside the historic centre of Alcúdia, facing the parish church of Sant Jaume. Visiting times are from Tuesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays from 10 30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and closed on Mondays and Holidays.
More information: www.pollentia.net
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