The talayots of Minorca

The talayots of Minorca are authentic windows into the Bronze Age. These imposing towers are the ones that best define the Talayotic culture, exclusive to Minorca and Majorca. Built with large blocks of stone fitted together without mortar, they are a symbol of the architectural cunning of the prehistoric communities of the Balearic Islands. 

In Minorca, the talayots come in a wide variety of sizes and shapes, and their use seems to have been in their upper part, which makes them authentic strategic viewpoints. Exploring the talayots means delving into the fascinating history of a civilisation that knew how to take advantage of the island's orography to create a network of towers that were visible to each other.

One of the oldest examples is the Talayot de Trebalúger, an elliptical structure located on a rocky outcrop. Excavations inside revealed a Bronze Age house, revealing, in some cases, the use of these spaces for residential purposes.

Another spectacular site is the village of Sant Agustí, in Es Migjorn Gran. This talayot is famous for being one of the few with an internal chamber that has preserved its original wild olive wood beams. This uniqueness makes it a special piece on the island.

For its part, the settlement of Torelló, although affected by time and human activity, preserves one of the most monumental talayots in Minorca. It stands out not only for its size, but also for its lintelled doorway leading to a circular chamber, which makes it a real archaeological gem.