Capdepera

Cities - Villages | Capdepera

Located in the region of Llevant, at the eastern end of the island, Capdepera is a quiet town surrounded by mountains that remains oblivious to the tourist development generated around it from the sixties of the last century. The panoramic views that can be enjoyed from its medieval castle are one of its main attractions and the reason for its existence, since King James II's decision to found it was greatly influenced by its strategic location, which allowed perfect control of possible invaders' attacks and maritime traffic to the neighboring island of Menorca. The first settlers of Capdepera Proof that its strategic enclave was highly valued in the past is the fact that up to 41 archaeological sites - dated between the 10th and 2nd centuries BC - have been found in the area of the present-day municipality of Capdepera, an area that also includes the urban centers of Cala Ratjada and Canyamel. These sites show, therefore, that the area was inhabited during the pre-Talayotic and Talayotic periods. However, the foundation as a stable municipality occurred as a result of a decree of King James II of Mallorca in 1300. This decree, included in the Ordinacions, also required the foundation of eleven other towns on the island. In the specific case of Capdepera, the mandate specified that it should be a fortified town, since its purpose, as has already been pointed out, was to protect the maritime routes.