Menorca’s Amazing Prehistoric Ruins

Menorca, Spain has about 1,500 prehistoric sites – a higher concentration per square kilometer than any where else in the Mediterranean Sea, this is why Menorca is known as an “open air museum”. Numerous ancient stone structures dot the island, especially the southern half. A map of many of the sites can be found here. A number of these sites have been quite well preserved, considering they’ve been around for nearly 3,000 years! The Talayotic (or Talaiotic) period (when many of these structures where built) was lasted from about 1200 B.C. to 123 B.C. (when the Roman conquest took place).

The locations in brown font indicate the four prehistoric sites discussed below.

While Menorca’s beaches are incredible (more on these in a future post), it’s also fun to explore other sights on the island, and we decided to visit four of these prehistoric ruins during a “day off” from the beach. These archeological sites typically charge a small fee and provide informational brochures for your visit. Why did I choose these particular sites? I just did a little research on Menorca’s prehistoric ruins and decided on these four as reasonable sampling of what can be visited relatively easily. The road signage on the island to these historical sites is quite good.

Naveta des Tudons

This ruin is on the western side of the island, not far from the city of Ciutadella. Navetas are tombs that are unique to Menorca, and are typically one to two levels high and round or elongated. Naveta des Tudons is the largest of all known Navetas on the island and is considered the oldest existing building in Europe. It dates from 1000 – 800 BC, and was in use for about 500 years. Archeologists found the remains of over 100 individuals inside. We had the site to ourselves late one afternoon.

A view of the front of the Naveta. Note the careful stone fitting and placement work.
This image shows the burial ceremony and process and the layout of the interior of Naveta des Tudons.
These images show a side view and end view of the Naveta. Interesting stone work can be noted in both views.

Trepucó

The settlement of Trepucó is one of the largest on the island, covering an area of around 49,240 square metres. However, what can be viewed today is only a small part of the site, dating from 1200-700 B.C. It is located near Mahón (or Maó) on the eastern side of the island.

This taula in Trepucó one of the largest on Menorca. Taulas are usually seen as a standing stone combined with a horizontal slab resting on top, forming a large T-shaped monument. Archaeologists suggest these monuments were used to represent Talaiotic deities, occupying central positions in sanctuaries where rituals were performed. Thirty-three taula enclosures are known but only seven retain their vertical taula.
Other views of Trepucó, showing the domestic dwellings. Some areas were occupied into the Middle Ages, and still retain much of their original structures.

Talatí de Dalt 

This ruin is only 4 km (or about 2 miles) from the city of Mahón (or Maó) on the eastern side of Menorca. It’s about the same age as the other talaiotic ruins on the island, and reached its peak between the 4th and 2nd century B.C.

The taula in Talatí de Dalt. I don’t know if there is an explanation for the diagonal support – perhaps it’s been there since the beginning.
Talatí de Dalt is interesting because there are a number of cave-like chambers and corridors to explore.
This talayot (or talaiot) at Talatí de Dalt is representative of those found in many of Menorca’s ruins – their function is not completely understood – they may have been watchtowers, meeting places, or related to other ceremonial events.

Torre d’en Galmés

Torre d’en Galmés was probably my favorite of the Talayotic prehistoric sites we visited, due to its immense size and location. Lots of ruins to explore here. It is located in south-central Menorca, not far from Son Bou beach. It is believed that Torre d’en Galmés was a principal site and had oversight of many of the other settlements.

Torre d’en Galmés. Note the taula on the left, one of several in Torre d’en Galmés.
I loved these hypostyle chambers with the stone roof supports. However, I’m not sure I’d want to be in one of these rooms during an earthquake!

Above – Other views of Torre d’en Galmés.

In addition to above-ground structures, there are a number of below-ground chambers in Torre d’en Galmés as shown above.

If you get a chance and can tear yourself away from the beach for a day, don’t miss Torre d’en Galmés, or any of the other Talayotic sites on Menorca – they are the premier prehistoric ruins in the Balearic Islands, if not the entire Mediterranean Sea.

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