Villa Rosa

Stone Monuments:  

 

Some scholars have called Menorca an outdoor prehistoric museum, such is the quality of monuments to be found on the island. On a trip across the island, the visitor will not be able to overlook the massive ensemble of talayots, circular stone towers which at times reach a height of thirty feet and whose significance has not yet been firmly established; the enigmatic taulas, two giant stone slabs placed in the shape of a T, which bear witness to the ancient Menorcan´s religious fervor; the navetas, long stone barrows resembling inverted boats, used for mass burials; and a host of caves once used for living quarters or burial, which were dug by the island´s primitive inhabitants along the coastal ravines and cliffs.

 

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Naveta des Tudons:

 

Four kilometers from Ciudadela along the main Mahón Ciudadela road, we find this magnificent sample of the Menorcan naveta, thought to be the oldest building in Europe. It was restored in 1952.

 

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Torre Llafuda:

 

Seven kilometers from Ciudadela one can visit this superb prehistoric settlement which boasts the ruins of a taula, a large talayot and the remains of rooms, as well as several caves.

 

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Torre D´en Gaumes:

 

A monumental prehistoric settlement, the island´s largest, with a perfectly preserved taula, three talayots, a beautiful stone pillared hall, caves, remains of rooms etc. It is located 14 kms. from Mahón along the road leading to lovely Son Bou beach, off the main road.

 

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Torralba D´en Salort:

 

Following the road from Alayor to Cala´n Porter one can see from the highway the Torralba taula, the finest of the island. Nearby there is a talayot, a stone pillared hall, diverse ruins and a unique prehistoric well - Na Patarrá - with a depth of 135 feet. Along the same road one can visit Torre Llissá with its taula, several talayots etc.

 

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Rafal Rubí:

 

Following the main Mahón - Ciudadela road about 7 kms, from Mahón one can visit two superb navetas, one which has been recently excavated and restored.

 

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Talati de Dalt:

 

This is another unique prehistoric settlement with a taula and its surrounding grounds, talayot, stone caves, a stone pillared hall and remains of rooms. It is located near Mahón, about four kilometers out along the main road.

 

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Trepucó:

 

Hardly two kilometers from Mahón we find this extraordinary settlement with a taula excavated in 1931, a large talayot, diverse ruins, etc.

 

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Cala Morell:

 

Following a small gully which flows into Cala Morell beach, the visitor can see over the man-made inhabitable caves. One of them boasts a superb sculptured trapezoidal entranceway.

 

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Son Catlar:

 

This is another of the island´s major settlements, with several talayots, taulas, remains of rooms and a remarkable stone mural. It is easily reached along the road leading from Ciudadela to Son Saura beach.

 

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Calas Coves:

 

Near two small coves called Calas Coves, we find a veritable prehistoric burial ground containing over 40 small caves.

 

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EARLY CHRISTIAN BASILICAS:

 

Es Fonas de Torello:  

 

Alongside a small road joining the Mahón - Ciudadela  and Mahón - San Clemente highways, we find the early Christian basilica of Es Fonas. It contains remains of its original altar and a superb floor mosaic full of Christian symbols.

 

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Son Bou:

 

On the eastern shore of the long beach called Son Bou, near the sea, we find this well preserved basilica of the 5th - 6th centuries. It has three naves, an apse and a stone square baptismal font.

 

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Monte Toro Shrines:

 

On the peak of this mountain, we find a shrine to the Virgen de Monte Toro, the island´s patroness. Noteworthy, is the recently restored 17th century Renaissance church. This shrine, commanding a marvelous view of the island, is the centre of religious outings and pilgrimages.

 

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Finca de San Antonio ( Golden Farm ):

 

 Legend has it that here, on the nothern slope of Mahón port, lived Lord Nelson with his quest Lady Hamilton. This estate is in English Colonial style