Explore the archaeological Route of Mallorca

Discover their habits and customs with a visit to the most characteristic monuments of Majorca's early history, such as the Talayotic settlements, the ramparts, the caves, megalithic tombs or sanctuaries. Visit the settlement Claper des Gegant or Talayot de S'Heretat in Capdepera, one of the most important of the island, the Mestre Ramón, about 800 meters away from a natural harbor, the Puig Figuer Talayot and the Ses Païses settlement in Artà, one of the best preserved, the S'Aigua Dolça Dolmen in Colonia de Sant Pere, the S'Illot remains with its wonderful wall, the Closos de Can Gaià settlement in Portocolom and S'Hospitalet Vell in Manacor.

The pre-Talayotic period (2500-1400 BC) has left us few remnants of homes – the later navetes – although it has been generous with burial sites: manmade caves as well as a few gravesites with dolmens. However, the Talayotic period (1300-123 BC) has bequeathed to us the magnificent stone monuments called talayots. Structurally, we can define a talayot as a construction made of stone without mortar, following a technique that includes a central chamber, an entrance corridor and usually a column to hold up the roof. This roof usually no longer exists. Due to their fortified nature, meant for defensive functions, they could also be used as a home or to store food, and even for ritual functions.