Archaeological excavation works have recently begun at the main talayot of the Torre d’en Galmés settlement. In addition to halting the deterioration of this structure, the aim is to gather new data on the uses and functions of the talayots, as they are one of the Talayotic constructions about which the least is known in Menorca.
The central talayot is in very poor condition, with structural issues that hinder visits and contribute to its degradation. This intervention will consolidate the archaeological elements to ensure their preservation and will also adapt the talayot to facilitate visits and interpretation. It is worth noting that Torre d’en Galmés is one of the largest and most visited archaeological sites on the island, and a prominent part of the Talayotic Menorca ensemble, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This intervention is promoted by the Agència Menorca Talaiòtica of the Consell Insular and funded through a direct grant of 437,000 euros, awarded by the Ministry of Culture of the Government of Spain thanks to the inclusion of Talayotic Menorca in the World Heritage List. In addition to Torre d’en Galmés, part of the grant has also been allocated to an archaeological intervention to restore a section of the wall of the Son Catlar settlement.
The Torre d’en Galmés excavation project was publicly tendered and awarded to the company Catarqueòlegs SL for a total of 353,320 euros. The intervention is directed by archaeologists Cristina Bravo and Irene Riudavets, who have extensive experience in excavation and conservation projects involving Menorca’s archaeological heritage, particularly Talayotic sites.
The Minister for Culture, Education, Youth and Sports, Joan Pons Torres; the Island Director of Culture, Jaume Reurer; and the Director of the Agència Menorca Talaiòtica, Antoni Ferrer, visited the works at Torre d’en Galmés this morning. The project will last eleven months: six months for fieldwork and five for laboratory and administrative tasks.
Joan Pons Torres stated: “With this initiative, the Agència Menorca Talaiòtica takes another step forward in the active conservation of the main sites included in the World Heritage declaration. The intervention at the central talayot of Torre d’en Galmés will not only preserve a key structure of Menorca’s prehistory, but also help us better understand its original function and make this heritage more accessible to all.”