I dare say that most people are not much interested in the history of Manacor. This pueblo in Mallorca’s South East is probably best known outside of its municipal limits for the caves (Coves del Drach and Coves Del Hams) as well as for its pearls (Majorica and Orquídea). Most people also seem to know that ATP tennis player Rafael Nadal hails from Manacor as well.

Let me tell you that there is much more to know about Manacor. The pueblo received the right to hold the title of a town in 1912. It now is Mallorca’s second biggest town, after Palma, and before Inca and Felanitx. Settlement in the area of Manacor dates back to the time between 2000 and 1200 B. C.

As a town, Manacor goes well back to the times before the Islamic dominance. During Roman times, there were settlements in the area and there was a harbour in Porto Cristo. Early Christian communities were evident with the remains of two basilicas, Son Peretó and Sa Carrotja. Remnants of Alqueries and Rafals were found in and around Manacor giving evidence of activities during the Moorish period. An Arab mosque was in existence in the centre of today’s Manacor, but was destroyed and replaced by a parish church in 1232. The new Església de Santa Maria dels Dolors, sometimes called Nostra Senyora dels Dolors (see photo), was constructed in the same spot around 1890. The church is still not completely built and a proposal to conclude the construction is currently under advanced consideration. Torre R. Rubi, the bell tower of the church has a height of 75 metres and is an emblem of the busy town.

The photo was taken in Manacor, Mallorca, Baleares, Spain. The date: November 24th, 2010. The time was 10:25:37.