Pollença Facts for Kids

This page is about the modern town in Majorca. For the Roman town, see Pollentia (Majorca). For the town in Italy, see Pollentia.

Quick facts for kids

Pollença

Pollença (Catalan)
Pollensa (Spanish)

Municipality

Flag	Coat of arms

Location of Pollença in Mallorca

Pollença

Location in Majorca

Pollença

Location in Balearic Islands

Pollença

Location in Spain

Country

Comarca

Judicial district

Inca

Area

• Total

151.65 km² (58.55 sq mi)

Elevation

47 m (154 ft)

Population

(2018)

• Total

16,189

• Density

106.752/km² (276.487/sq mi)

Time zone

UTC+1 (CET)

• Summer (DST)

UTC+2 (CEST)

Postal code

07460

The 365 Calvari steps

Pollença is a charming town and municipality located in the northern part of Majorca, a beautiful island in Spain. It is found close to famous spots like Cap de Formentor and Alcúdia. The town itself is set inland, about 6 kilometers (about 3.7 miles) west of its port, Port de Pollença.

History of Pollença
- Ancient Roots and Founding
- Battles and Bravery
Main Sights in Pollença
Beaches Near Pollença
Images for kids
See also

History of Pollença

Ancient Roots and Founding

The name "Pollença" comes from an old Roman town called "Pollentia". You can find the remains of this ancient Roman settlement a few kilometers away, near the modern town of Alcúdia.

Pollença was founded in the 13th century. It was built about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) away from the coast. This was a smart move to help protect the town from pirate attacks that were common back then.

Battles and Bravery

Throughout its history, Pollença was a very important place for battles. This was because of its great location. The area saw many intense fights. For example, the people of Pollença resisted the Christian conquest. It was also the last stand for King James III of Majorca.

The town had many encounters with pirates. One famous event happened in 1550. The Ottoman pirate Dragut attacked Pollença. The local people showed amazing bravery and fought him off. This brave act is remembered every year on August 2nd with a special celebration.

Main Sights in Pollença

Town Center and Architecture

Most of the houses in Pollença were built in the 17th and 18th centuries. Many of the streets are very narrow and close together. This design comes from the medieval times.

The main town square is called Plaça Major. It has many outdoor cafés where you can relax. A large church from the 13th century stands proudly in the square. It is called Esglèsia de Nostra Senyora dels Àngels (Our Lady of the Angels). The Knights Templar built this impressive church.

The Calvari Steps

One of the most special features of Pollença is the 365-step stairway. It is located north of the main square. These steps lead up to a small chapel on top of a hill known as Calvary.

On Good Friday, this spot is used for the most dramatic parade of the year. First, there is a reenactment of the Stations of the Cross on the road that winds up the back of the hill. After this, a special ceremony takes place at the top of the hill. A figure of Christ is carefully taken down from the Cross.

Then, a quiet, torchlit parade of the figure of Christ moves through the town. Hundreds of people wear cloaks, masks, and pointed hats. The parade is done in complete silence, except for the slow beat of a drum. It is a very moving and traditional event.

Other Interesting Places

The town also has a bridge that was built in the 19th century. It has a Romanesque design and crosses a stream north of the town.

Some of the most visited places in Pollença town include:

Plaça Mayor (Main Square)
Plaça Vella (Old Square)
Can Llobera
Convent
Joan March Gardens
Calvari (the hill with the steps and chapel)
Roman Bridge

Beaches Near Pollença

Pollença is close to several beautiful beaches and coves. Here are some of them:

Cala Figuera
Cala Murta
Cala Formentor
Cala Sant Vicenç (which includes Cala Molins, Cala Barques, Cala Clara, and Cala Carbó)
Cala Boquer
Port de Pollença Beach
Llenaire Beach
Can Cuarassa Beach