The British presence in Menorca lasted for almost all of the eighteenth century. The British legacy remains, among other things, in the wonderful architectural heritage in the shape of defensive military structures that dot the whole of the island’s coastline. During the War of the Spanish Succession and as a result of the Treaty of Utrecht (1713), Menorca, along with … [Read more...]
Megalithic culture of Talaiotic Menorca
The island’s standing-stones are windows that look back to the culture of Menorca’s oldest known inhabitants. Archaeological remains scattered across the island that provide an excellent insight into Menorcan pre-history. The pre-Talaiotic and Talaiotic cultures refer to the customs and skills of the pre-historic inhabitants of the Balearic Islands up to the Roman … [Read more...]
Military hospital of Illa del Rei
Military hospital of Illa del Rei The old military hospital on the Illa del Rei, currently under restoration, has the peculiarity of being on an island in the harbor of Maó. The Illa del Rei The island, also known as The Bloody Island, is in the middle of the Maó harbour, between Maó and Es Castell villages. Its name comes from the legend that Alfonso II of Catalonia and … [Read more...]
Fort Marlborough
Fort Marlborough A spectacular eighteenth century fortress carved into the rock in perfect condition. The fort The fort stands on the southern side of the entrance to Maó harbour, in the cove Cala de Sant Esteve, and was built by the British between 1720 and 1726. It owes its name to Sir John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, the most prominent British General of the time. … [Read more...]
The Naveta des Tudons
The Naveta des Tudons is the most emblematic megalithic monument of Menorca. Is a pre-Talaiotic funeral building in use from 1200 to 750 BC. The name naveta’– or ‘little boat’ in Catalan – comes from the fact that this building resembles an upside-down boat. The Naveta des Tudons is a pre-Talaiotic funeral building in use from 1200 to 750 BC. It consists of a … [Read more...]
Saint Philip’s castle
Saint Philip's castle The remains of one of the most important fortifications of its time in the Mediterranean The Saint Philip's castle Saint Philip's castle stands on the southern side of the entrance to Maó harbour and was built in the mid-16th century designed by Italian engineer Giovanni Battista Calvi. Over the course of successive British occupations the castle … [Read more...]
Cala Morell necropolis
Cala Morell necropolis A group of 14 burial chambers hewn from the bare rock that were used from the pre-Talaiotic period up to the second century AD. The necropolis This spectacular necropolis with 14 burial chambers hewn from the bare rock is to be found in a small gully just before Cala Morell to the north of Ciutadella. This cemetery was active from the pre-Talaiotic … [Read more...]
Torre d’en Galmés
Torre d'en Galmés talaiotic village Torre d’en Galmés is one of the largest Talaiotic sites in the Balearic Islands and is well worth a longish, unhurried visit to ensure that you appreciate all its finer points. Torre d'en Galmés megalithic village It is situated on small rise in the ground from where it dominates much of the southern coast of Menorca. On clear days the … [Read more...]
Fornells tower
Fornells tower The tower of Fornells is one of the largest defense towers and best preserved in Menorca. The tower A coastal defence tower built by the British in the early 19th century to guard the entrance to Fornells harbour, prevent the enemy coming ashore and protect the nearby Sant Antoni Castle, which has now been restored. Watchtowers controlled the local area … [Read more...]
Torrellafuda
Torrellafuda talaiotic village Torrellafuda is a small Talaiotic site near Ciutadella with unrestricted access that stands in a shady old wild-olive grove. The Torrellafuda magalithic village You will find the remains as soon as you begin to walk along the access track: first you come to the burial chambers and then you walk right around the talaiot. Behind, you will find … [Read more...]
Talatí de Dalt
Talatí de Dalt talaiotic village A visit to the Talaiotic settlement of Talatí de Dalt, which blends in so harmoniously with its surroundings, is always a memorable experience. The Talatí de Dalt talaiotic village A visit to the Talaiotic settlement of Talatí de Dalt, which blends in so harmoniously with its surroundings, is always a memorable experience. Its spiritual … [Read more...]
Son Catlar
Son Catlar talaiotic village The site of Son Catlar is of great interest as the only Talaiotic settlement in the Balearic Islands whose surrounding cyclopean wall is all but intact. The Son Catlar megalithic village The site of Son Catlar is of great interest as the only Talaiotic settlement in the Balearic Islands whose surrounding cyclopean wall is all but intact. These … [Read more...]
Torretrencada
Torretrencada talayotic village Despite being somewhat hidden-away and smaller than other Menorcan sites, the Talaiotic settlement of Torretrencada is still well worth a visit. The Torretrencada megalithic village Even though its taula lacks its surrounding walls, its lateral support column sets it apart from other Talaiotic sites on the island. In the settlement there is … [Read more...]
Torralba d’en Salort
Torralba d'en Salort talaiotic villlage Torralba d’en Salort is remarkable for its enormous taula and its enclosure Torralba d'en Salort megalithic villlage The taula of Torralba d'en Salort talaiotic villlage is one of the largest on Menorca and is perfectly preserved. This site also boasts two talaiots, a hypostyle room, a number of caves excavated in the bedrock and a … [Read more...]
Trepucó
Trepucó talaiotic village Covering 5,000 m2, Trepucó is one of the largest Talaiotic sites in Menorca, even although only a small part of the original settlement has been preserved. Trepucó megalithic village During the Second Punic War (218 BC) Trepucó village was partially destroyed and was then abandoned after the period of Roman dominance (123 BC). Today, the fragments … [Read more...]
