Ethnographic element Horno de cal en el Parc Etnològic de Caimari

The furnace consists of an underground pot or tank where the stone is burnt until lime is obtained. It is surrounded by a wall with a door that was used by the ‘calciner’ to introduce the material, and covered by a vault. It is part of the ethnological heritage.

Reconstruction of a furnace where stone was burnt to obtain lime. The use of lime for different applications until the mid‑20^th century extended its production to the whole Balearic Islands. Its production was documented since the 15^th century in the Tramuntana mountains. Most of the activity was completed between April and September to avoid the winter rains and moisture.

The structure is formed by a pot, a cylindrical tank with a depth of between 5 and 6 metres, made of dry-mounted stone and fitted with cladding. That is where the stone is burnt. Part of the wall rises above the ground, and there is a door to introduce the material. The structure is covered with a stone vault. These structures were generally built on sloping terrain so as to facilitate the filling and emptying of the furnace. The proximity of the wood and stone, as well as the existence of a path for carts to transport the material, were other important factors that were taken into account.