The gate was historically known as the 'Xara Gate' because it faced the Xara marshes, which once separated the town from the port.
During the 16th century, the original medieval gate was expanded and reinforced with a barbican to improve defense against frequent Mediterranean pirate raids.
The interior of the gatehouse features vaulted ceilings designed to accommodate a portcullis mechanism for restricted access.
Porta del Moll is one of only two gates that remain standing, alongside the Porta de Mallorca, from the original medieval fortification layout.
The walls connected to the gate were built on the ruins of an earlier Roman settlement, Pollentia, which provided stone for later medieval construction.
Porta del Moll, also known as the Xara Gate, serves as one of the two primary surviving entrances to the medieval walled city of Alcúdia. Constructed in the 14th century, the gate is defined by two robust defensive towers that originally functioned as the main maritime access point to the fortified settlement. The structure is integrated into a larger circuit of Renaissance-era walls that were significantly reinforced during the 16th century to defend against pirate incursions. Visitors can access the top of the ramparts from this point to walk along a portion of the old perimeter. The gate is built from local sandstone, reflecting the architectural style of the period's military fortifications in the Balearic Islands. It remains a central connection point between the historic old town and the newer urban developments outside the walls.
From the exterior looking up at the two towers to capture the symmetry of the 14th-century masonry.
Climb the stairs near the gate to access the elevated wall-walk for views over the old town rooftops.
Visit the nearby Roman ruins of Pollentia, as the wall walk provides an excellent vantage point to view their layout from above.
Check the local market schedule, as the area immediately inside the gate becomes very crowded during street market days.
Avoid driving through the gate entrance, as the historic town center has extremely narrow streets and strict pedestrian-only zones.
The wall-walk access may be restricted during periods of extreme weather or scheduled maintenance, though the gate itself is always open as it is a public thoroughfare.
