Tower of Albercutx (Talaia d’Albercutx)

The Albercutx Tower, also known as Talaia d’Albercutx is an ancient fortified watchtower located on the Formentor road in Pollença, Mallorca. It was built in the late 16th and early 17th centuries as part of a coastal defense system against pirate attacks. From its strategic location 380 meters above sea level, it offered an excellent panoramic view of the coast (covering a wide area that includes the Formentor peninsula, the bay of Pollença, the Serra de Tramuntana mountains, and Cape Formentor) and allowed communication with other towers by means of smoke or fire signals to warn of possible dangers.

Origins and function of the Albercutx Tower (Talaia d’Albercutx)

The tower was built to spot and warn of the arrival of pirates, using smoke or fire signals to transmit information to other towers and, eventually, to Palma. It is part of a network of towers distributed to warn of potential dangers and facilitate the coordination of defense. In addition to its defensive function, the tower was also used as a strategic observatory during the world wars and the Spanish Civil War. Drawings of airplanes can be found on its walls, vestiges of its use as an observatory during World War II.

General characteristics of the Albercutx Tower or  Talaia d’Albercutx

It is located 380 meters above sea level, on the Formentor road. Its base is about 7 meters in diameter, and the tower reaches a height of approximately 8.50 meters. It has been declared a Site of Cultural Interest. It is built with local materials and has an iron staircase to access its upper part, which offers 360-degree panoramic views of the coast. It is in good condition and has been restored, with an inscription dating its donation to the town of Pollença in 1984.

Location

It is located in the Serra d’Albercutx, an elevated spot with spectacular views on the Formentor road, halfway between Port of Pollensa and Formentor beach, in Pollença.

Access to the Tower of Albercutx or Talaia d’Albercutx

The tower is an important tourist attraction due to its panoramic views and historical value. It can be accessed via the Ma-2210 road that runs along the Formentor peninsula. It can also be accessed via a paved road that starts at the Es Colomer viewpoint and is part of the “viewpoint route” in the area.

Caution is advised when visiting the tower, especially when climbing onto the terrace, due to the wind and heights. It is also advisable to wear suitable footwear for walking, as the tower is accessed via a dirt and stone path. The route is just over 2 km long and can also be done by car. IT IS IMPORTANT to respect the tower and its surroundings, avoiding damage or alterations of any kind.

Access to the Albercutx Tower or Talaia d’Albercutx is free and open all year round, although there may be restrictions if the viewpoint and parking lot are full. You can park on the road near the tower and then walk up a path.

More than just a viewpoint

The Albercutx Tower is a 16th-century defense tower located on the Formentor road in Mallorca, 380 meters above sea level. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Formentor peninsula, Pollença Bay, and the Serra de Tramuntana mountains. Access to the tower is via a paved road that starts at the Sa Creuta viewpoint or Es Colomer viewpoint. The Albercutx Tower is a very popular tourist attraction due to its historical value. In short, the Albercutx Tower, also known as Talaia d’Albercutx or Torre de Ses Ànimes, is a watchtower that embodies the geographical, historical, and cultural values of Mallorca. It is a visit that you should not exclude from your tourist itineraries on the island.

And that’s it for this brief overview of The Albercutx Tower (Talaia d’Albercutx) in Pollença, Mallorca. We hope it helps.

By the way: Are you coming to Mallorca on a tourist trip? If you find it helpful, you can also check out our travel guide to Mallorca and more tourist information about the island