Blog

Menorca, the southern island among other Balearic Islands, is by far the most popular sites of prehistoric settlements, belonging to the Talaiotic Period. Talaiotic Period is the duration lying between 2000 BC and 1000 BC. These ancient sites consist of 3 distinct types of structures named navetas that are constructed from several stones making it look like a upside down boat. The second type is in form of talayots, circular or square buildings created from numerous large stones. The third kind is made from taulas or tables created from large slabs of rock given shape of a T. If you have that archeological bent of mind then you definitely need to catch the next flights to Menorca.

The prehistoric settlement named Son Mercer de Baix is an archeological site that features a typical naveta called as Cova del Moor. This site was proclaimed as an artistic as well as a historical monument way back in 1931. The settlement is situated in western Menorca. You can reach this site by taking the first right on the Ferreries Migjorn Gran road. The road is followed by a 20 minute unpaved stretch leading to a small avenue overlooking a crevice named Son Fideu.

This settlement was also occupied during the pre-Talayotic period spanning 2500 to 1800 BC and the Talayotic periods from 1600 to 123. The site is made of 2 megalithic tombs or navetas in shape of a horseshoe. It is accompanied by many complementary structures. One of these structures is a small smithy which was probably used for smelting copper. This makes you think that there probably were two such smithies in the village which spanned 30 sq. m each. They were also enclosed by a strong wall for defense.

In addition to these structures, one of the monuments is popular for its singularity and it is the Cova des Moor. It is the same naveta that also looks like a room consisting of 3 columns made of stones along with a roof. The whole style of construction looks quite majestic. This naveta is considered to be a classic example of Minorcan architecture.

Excavations carried out in and around the site revealed a furnace and bronze ingots. This is where the smelting must have taken place in the past. There are indications of the inhabitants devoting themselves to harvesting as well as raising livestock. The natural landscape around the site also has Mediterranean bushes, pine woods and holm oaks. d Algendrar and Trebaluger are two beautiful gorges you can look forward to on the island.