The origin of the name "Pollença" can be traced back to the name of the Roman settlement of Pollentia, the excavated remains of which lie several kilometers away, at the modern municipality of Alcúdia.

Throughout its history, Pollença was a site of significant military confrontations, due to its prominent geographical position, some 6 km (4 mi) from the coast, in an effort to avoid pirate attacks.

The bravery of Joan Mas and the other fighters contrasted with the negligence of the watchtower guards, the castle keeper, and the captain of arms, Pere Brull, who was punished with banishment from the town.

The central square, called Plaça Major, has numerous outdoor cafés and is dominated by a large 13th-century church Esglèsia de Nostra Senyora dels Àngels (Our Lady of the Angels) which was built by the Order of the Temple.

There is a sombre, torchlit parading of the body of Christ through the town led by hundreds of people in cloaks, masks and pointed hats and done in total silence save for the slow beating of a drum.