This morning, the archaeological site of Torralba d’en Salort hosted the presentation of the results from the fourth campaign of excavation and restoration of a late-medieval structure. The project is promoted by the Fundació Illes Balears, directed by the Amics del Museu de Menorca association, and supported by the Consell Insular de Menorca.
Co-director of the project, Carlos de Salort, together with Jaime Reurer, Island Director of Culture, and Rafael Durán, Director of Torralba, presented the latest discoveries from the campaign that began on 4 August.
Excavation work revealed one of the building’s interior spaces, where archaeologists documented a well-preserved stone pavement, a long bench built against the wall, and a monumental sandstone corner suggesting the existence of an upper floor. Among the finds are imported and local ceramics from the 16th to 18th centuries, along with agricultural tools, keys, horseshoes, and objects linked to daily life and religious practices.
The project combines archaeological excavation with archival research, which has linked the ownership of the structure to settler families from the Crown of Aragon, including the Gonyalons, Marquès, Villalonga and Cardona. Evidence suggests that the building ceased to serve as a dwelling in the 17th century and may later have been used for religious purposes.
The excavation at Torralba d’en Salort is unique in Menorca as it focuses on the island’s resettlement period after 1287 – a key stage for understanding the roots of present-day Menorcan society.
Open Day
On Thursday 21 August at 7:00 p.m., an open day will be held to share the findings and research hypotheses with the public. The team, co-directed by Carlos de Salort and Francesc Isbert, will continue their fieldwork at the site until 25 August.