Explore these intricate structures and wander into the world of the ancient Talaiotic people...
While we were excavating on the island of Menorca, our international team of archaeologists made the most to explore and take road trips… stopping by the impressive Talaiotic standing stones on the way to every beach! It was a great opportunity to discover the lesser walked paths and learn about the rich culture of Menorca.
The great number of archaeological remains scattered across the Balearic Islands provide a fascinating insight into Talaiotic cultures. This culture was forged by the pre-historic inhabitants of the Balearic Islands and the first evidence of this civilisation appeared by the end of the 2nd millennium BC and the last during the period of the Roman conquest (123 BC).
This community left an integral architectural legacy for archaeologists to decipher. The large vertical monoliths are called Taulas and the Talaiots generally take the form of circular or square buildings. Taulas are usually seen as a standing stone combined with a horizontal slab resting on top, forming a large T-shaped monument. From findings, archaeologists suggest these monuments were used to represent Talaiotic deities, occupying central positions in sanctuaries where rituals were performed.
Currently the Minorcan government has successfully added twenty-five of their Talaiotic sites to UNESCO's World Heritage list. I fully support the drive to increase the number of protected sites on the island due to the structures being so unique and in need of more preservation and protection measures put in place.
My Top Seven Picks from the 1,586
Archaeological sites of Menorca:
Sites near Alaior:
Torre d'en Galmés
The Torre d’en Galmés settlement came to light during the final years of the nineteenth century and commands a spectacular panoramic view of Menorca’s south coast. The site is made up of three large, circular talayots, taulas and watchtowers. On the hilltop, there are up to twenty-seven domestic dwellings as well as a large number of caves. The most important dwelling in this complex is known as the Cartailhac Circle, a building which still retains its roof, a courtyard with a corridor, an oven, and a square room.
Archaeological studies revealed the settlement began to emerge during Menorca’s Iron Age. The town developed from the start of the Talaiotic era and expanded until the end of the Roman occupation. Its architectural structures have witnessed and been used by, a long succession of different civilisations. Used by the Phoenicians and the Phocians, then subjected to aggressive colonisation by the Carthaginians until finally seized by the Republic of Rome.
Directions: The site is 5km south of Alaior and to get there head along the road to Son Bou beach and take a left to the signposted Torre d’en Galmés. After 2 km take the right turn marked Camí de Sant Llorenç and you should arrive at the entrance to the site.
The settlement is open to the public as well as an interpretation centre. Due to the size of this site, I recommend spending quite a while here to explore everything it has to offer and then maybe taking a dip at the beautifully clear Son Bou beach afterwards to cool off during the summer season.
Torralba d'en Salord
Also near Alaior, is Torralba d’en Salort. It differentiates itself from other large Talaiotic villages in Menorca with the best-conserved taula. The taula stands at five meters tall and alongside the images of this incredible structure I have put an image for scale of how the stones would look against a male of average height. It is said to have been used for religious rites and as a symbol of fertility and agriculture.
Excavations carried out at the sanctuary revealed perfume censers imported by the Punics shaped as their goddess Tanit, as well as a bronze bull. Tanit was worshiped in Punic contexts in the Western Mediterranean well into Hellenistic times.
Honourable Mentions:
The Necropolis of Calescoves
And the Navetas of Biniac-l'Argentina and Navetas of Rafal Rubi
Sites Near Ciutadella:
Poblat talaiòtic de Torellafuda
This small site is delightful and has plenty of charm. Wander alongside ancient stone walls and pass by burial chambers and enclosures. Surrounded by a shady wild-olive grove it is a great place for a break or picnic.
Directions: At about kilometer 37 of the Ciutadella road take a dirt track to Torrellafuda. Approaching the farm of Son Sintes, find the parking area and from there a small path leads you through fields to reach the site.
Naveta des Tudons
These structures are not found anywhere else in the world. Only in Menorca can you view a pre-Talaiotic funeral chambered building. Navetas date from the bronze age to the start of the iron age. This site was transformed in the mid-twentieth century from an overgrown pile of stone when the archaeologist Lluís Pericot García took note and decided to excavate and restore it. One hundred burials along with grave goods including bronze bracelets and spearheads were discovered in the tomb. Now one of the most visited monuments in Menorca, it stands tall against the arid landscape.
Directions: The Naveta des Tudons is 5km from Ciutadella and there is a car park at kilometre 40 of the main Maó-Ciutadella road. All that’s left is a short walk to the monument. Due to safety and conservation entry into the funerary tomb is currently not permitted.
Honourable Mentions:
The smaller Torretrencada and Son Catlar Sites
Sites near Cala Morell:
Necropolis de Cala Morell
It is rare to find such an ancient necropolis in such good condition and with such detailed chambers. Fourteen burial chambers are carved into the rock face above ground level and I was pleasantly surprised by the accessibility and staircases to enter the above ground caves.
This cemetery was active from the pre-Talaiotic period up until the 2nd Century AD. The Necropolis tombs were conceived for the living to worship the deceased. Some of the caves even showed evidence of atriums used for offerings of food. Influences from the final stages of the Talaiotic culture can be seen throughout the classical interior where columns and windows were carved from the bare rock.
Sites near Mahon:
Tataltí de dalt
All it takes is a 4km drive from Mahon to stumble across one of Menorca’s most unique sites known for its unusual taula, large stone tower and good state of conservation. Parts of the enclosures were excavated and form an almost labyrinthine building complex.
Facing the southeast are three artificial underground caves covered by large stone slabs held up on stone pillars. From the findings of pottery and animal remains we can deduce it may have been mainly an agricultural settlement.
Trepucó
Known as the "prehistoric capital" of the eastern side of the island, the Trepucó site features a defensive, drystone walled watchtower. During the late 18th century the taula and talayot were surrounded by a fortification shaped like a five-pointed star, built during the Spanish siege of the Castle of Sant Felipe, which was in British hands at the time. A lookout station and a cannon were put at the top of the talayot.
Honourable Mentions:
The round stone tower of Talayot de Torelló
Archaeological Update
Archaeologists are continuing to piece together excavated clues that are still raising more questions than answers, but progress is slowly being made. The majority of the monuments have retained their original structure and research has led to the identification of up to fifteen types of constructions, each with different functions. Parts of sites such as Trepucó have not been looked at yet and remain left as grassy mounds.
Traveller Tips:
· Admission for the majority of these sites is just a few euros. Some are even free (especially during the off season).
· Public transport is scarce on this island so I would recommend renting a car or pre-arranging transport.
· Bear in mind you will come across other spellings for these cultural sites. Catalan/Spanish
· When outdoors for long periods of time make sure you are equipped well with water and the essentials as these sites tend to have little shade.
Internet Sources:
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