Guide to Travel Old Town Alcudia
Old Town Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
About Old Town Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
Old Town Alcudia is a well-preserved medieval town located on the incredibly gorgeous island of Mallorca, Spain. It is a brilliant fairytale-Esque little village with a vibrant feel and a rich and deep history going back centuries. Souvenir shops and restaurants now occupy the majority of the medieval buildings, but there are local people who live here as well.
Old Town Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
History of Alcudia
The name Alcudia is actually of Arabic origins and points even further toward the past of the island’s Arabic history. In 905AD the island of Mallorca came under Muslim rule and their reign lasted till 1229AD until King James I, of Aragon, captured the island for the crown and immediately started with the construction of Alcudia. They built fortified walls that were built so thick they would end up lasting to the present day, most of them in pretty good shape, I might add. These are all neat historical facts, but the occupation of the region goes back much further than the Arabs, all the way back to the Roman times and even the Bronze Age. Several Roman ruins can be visited in the Alcudia area and one of them is a small Roman amphitheater. I would imagine that most of the structures that once existed would have been destroyed as the original city had been ransacked and rebuilt over and over throughout the millennia, but archaeological excavations continue to uncover evidence of a great Roman city that goes back to 123BC called Ciutat Romana de Pollentia.
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Old Town Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
How to Get There
Map of Alcudia
We entered Old Town Alcudia through one of the arched stone and brick doorways and passed some incredibly thick walls. Some of the walls are open to the public and you can walk on them, much like the original guards who once watched over the city did.
Old Town Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
With no particular direction in mind, just adventure on the brain, we wandered curiously into the city, and right away we saw the beautiful Church of St. Jaume. The church is a true work of art and the construction of this masterpiece started in 1675.
One thing you’ll find while you explore these old Medieval cities is that the streets tend to be very tiny, most likely built for travel on foot or horseback. Architects of the day could have never imagined a world where cars would dominate transportation. Luckily Old Town Alcudia is a walk-only city and its residents get to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this historical gem unless, of course, it’s market day. Market day is on Tuesdays and Sundays and on this day part of the town turns into a bustling madhouse. That being said market day brings in money for locals and gives tourists a chance to shop for some cool souvenirs.
Old Town Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
Vendors at the market feature arts and crafts of domestic and international origin and line the streets of Old Town with their stands as visitors try to squeeze their way through. It was great to see all the interesting things available, but prices are high and with the congestion, it didn’t float my boat. If you’re into doing some shopping then it might be the place for you. Otherwise, if you desire a more quiet and relaxed Old Town, then go there when the market is closed, and if you’re early enough you may just get lucky enough to have the streets all to yourself.
Old Town Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
Old Town Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
Old Town Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
Well-maintained greenery and potted plants take up well-deserved real estate along the walls. The houses are unassuming on the outside, but generally have gorgeous courtyards on the inside. Houses of different eras and construction styles are all mixed in together and walking the streets of this lovely town really is like taking a step back in time. People still occupy the houses of Old Town and it’s kind of amazing to think of living in a 600-year-old piece of history.
Old Town Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
Old Town Alcudia, Mallorca, Spain
Conclusion
Old Town Alcudia is an amazing little town with big character. Even though non of us have ever lived through Medieval Times there is a heavy sense of nostalgia that you get while strolling the streets of this gorgeous little town. With its historical value, quiet neighborhoods, peaceful way of life, and apocalyptic zombie protection in its walls, it’s easy to understand why the locals would choose to live here, especially if they are history nerds.
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