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Alcudia (old Town)
The old town of Alcudia is an ancient town brimming with history dating back as far as Phoenicians. Situated just two miles north of the resort by the same name, the old town is a historical gem with Phoenician, Greek and Roman settlements all leaving behind relics of their time on the island. It was a Roman capital in the second century BC, which was then decimated by vandalism in the sixth century and then later rebuilt by the Moors, before being freed in the early 1200s by the Spanish King Jaime I. Under the rule of Spain the city was fortified and it's impressive walls date from this period of history. Visitors can now enter the town through two historical gates, which are overshadowed by large towers and explore the town's narrow streets. Nearby is a Roman amphitheatre and one of Mallorca's oldest churches called the Orator de Santa Anna, which remain well kept and are located in Polentia.
The remote mountain village of Lluc is located about twenty miles past Soller and the journey to Lluc is a drive through the Serra de Tramuntana. Situated in a valley, which historically has been a pilgrimage since the thirteenth century, the village is the most sacred site in Mallorca. The story tells that a shepherd boy discovered a statue of the Virgin in a cleft in the rock and the miracle was that the statue kept returning to its cave after being repeatedly placed in a local church. The dark wooden statue, known as La Moreneta has been encrusted with precious stones and now resides in it's own chapel of the monastery. Pilgrims and tourists alike may visit the statue at the monastery and a concert by the choirboys from the area begins at 11am every Sunday.
Situated on a hilltop close to the east coast of Mallorca is the town of Arta, which is an ancient town that dates back to the Bronze Age. Settlers have occupied Arta for around three thousand years and visitors can explore the Bronze Age relics at Ses Paisses located just outside the town amidst a grove of carob, holm oak and olive trees. There are also some intriguing battlements of a Moorish fortress to explore and the Santuari de Sant Salvador shrine. The markets of Arta open on Tuesdays, which livens up the historic town with the colourful arrival of traders and merchants.
