Minorca preserves all the magic, built by its ancestors centuries ago, intact. A mystery still alive today found in its stones; in its megalithic constructions, its fortresses of the past, capable of captivating whoever approaches them and sharing the fascinating secrets of an island converted into a real open air museum.
The rocks covering a great deal of the island have witnessed the pass of many civilizations through out centuries. As eternal protagonists of the landscape, one can go back in time discovering the charm that still surrounds them. The historical patrimony of Minorca is inexhaustible. Over a thousand prehistoric monuments have been numbered: artificial caves, remains of the roman era and signs of the Muslim period as well as structures of Palo Christian churches.
The island's talayotic settlers are the most important of Europe. The creators of these mysterious works seem to be giants if one bears in mind the size of the stones used in their different buildings. We can travel back, along the mysterious paths totally integrated in the natural surroundings, thousands of years while observing the splendour and size of the "taules". These monuments, which where supposed to be sanctuaries during the period they were built, are formed by two large rock slabs resembling a T and receive their name from "table" ("taula" in the Minorcan dialect). The tallest is the one at Trepucó measuring 4,20 metres.
Continuing with our prehistoric trip we encounter the navetas, pointing out the Naveta des Tudons; one of the oldest monuments in Europe; a burial naveta resembling a vessel up side down. Other constructions sure to captivate us are the talaiots : great piles of stones that emerge from hills and plains.
The prehistoric settlements were authentic cities designed fro worshipping the dead. Among the maze structure one can admire, as well as the taules, navetas and talaiots, sepulchral caves or wells.
The majestic fortresses belong to a more recent period; these were built to defend the island from the pirate attacks and other civilizations due to its strategic location in the centre of the Mediterranean. These fortresses were built, almost entirely, at the Maó harbour, the main entrance of enemy fleets. One can admire the Mola fortress along the coast (19th century), the Sant Felip Castle with its underground tunnels, which can still be visited today, and Fort Marlborough (built by the British in the 18th century).
As we travel around the island, we will encounter the watch towers or defence turrets built at strategic sites with elevations and good visibility, along the coast or inland, in order to communicate between themselves by alarm signals and, therefore, avoid being invaded. In order to learn the towers' uses and the island defence system between the 16th and 19th century, we can visit the exhibition at the Torre de Fornells.
The episcopacy has had a historical influence of the island's society. This power is reflected in a number of religious buildings which can be observed through out Minorca. Minorca Cathedral is the clearest example of this wealthy patrimony as well as the most important gothic representative of the island. Built in Ciutadella, at the ends of the 13th century, on top of an ancient Muslim mesquite, it was crowned during the 13th century. Apart from the cathedral, the huge variety of architectonic styles to be found in Minorca will continue to surprise us:the neo-gothic inside of the Santa Maria Church, at Maó with its magnificent organ and excellent musical sources; the neo-classic inspired Carme Church together with its Cloister, where different cultural events are held. In order to close this clerical tour, the best way is to visit the Toro Sanctuary, inhabited by a Franciscan community, at the top of El Toro mountain, a visit not to be missed due to its unique beauty.
The middle class families still have a traditional specific importance on the island. Its palaces, with various centuries of age; will draw our attention thanks to its great expressiveness in its architectonic lines, which represent perfectly the influence of the Minorcan aristocracy.
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Places of Interest: Cantera de Líthica
