The Talayotic Menorca Agency has secured a
€562,007.55 grant from the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda to carry out an intervention in the northwestern sector of the Talayotic settlement of Trepucó, located in Maó. This publicly owned site is part of the World Heritage of Talayotic Menorca. The funding was awarded under the 2% Cultural Program, which focuses on the recovery and promotion of Spain's historical heritage.
The project, submitted by the Agency in 2023 in response to a call from the Ministry of Transport and the Ministry of Housing, aims to gather new archaeological data, improve the conservation of the structures, and turn this area into a museum space that will be incorporated into the site's visitor circuit.
The intervention includes completing the excavation and restoration of an area partially explored in the 1980s by the Museu de Menorca. This area, located near the Bintaufa sports complex, includes a talayot with an internal corridor, a bastion of the wall, and a domestic area. The archaeological work will provide a better understanding of the talayot's internal structure and help clarify its function, addressing recommendations from UNESCO that emphasize the importance of gathering data on these unique constructions.
The project also plans to address erosion affecting this sector to recover information before it is permanently lost. Furthermore, studying the bastion will provide data for comparison with other sites, such as Son Catlar, enhancing the knowledge of Menorca's archaeological heritage.
A key investment in Menorca's heritage
The Spanish Government's contribution represents
75% of the total project cost, pending the final approval of the execution plan and the financial contributions committed. With this new funding, the Balearic Islands have received a total investment of over €12 million through the 2% Cultural Program, dedicated to the recovery of historical and cultural heritage.
This project in Trepucó complements the recent direct grant of €437,105.76 from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs for archaeological interventions at the Torre d’en Galmés and Son Catlar sites. These initiatives demonstrate the public institutions' commitment to Menorca's rich historical heritage and reinforce the recognition of Talayotic Menorca as a fundamental part of the culture and history of the Balearic Islands.
A heritage of universal value
The inclusion of the Talayotic settlement of Trepucó in the UNESCO World Heritage List has been a decisive factor in securing this grant. Additionally, the existence of the Talayotic Menorca Agency, an organization dedicated entirely to managing these assets, has been key to implementing the necessary actions to preserve this exceptional heritage.
Joan Pons Torres, conseller of Cultural Affairs and President of the Talayotic Menorca Agency, stated: “This grant is a significant milestone for our efforts to conserve and disseminate Talayotic heritage. It allows us to deepen our understanding of our past, ensure the preservation of this legacy, and make it accessible to everyone.”
This project reaffirms Menorca's commitment to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage, contributing to the development of high-quality cultural tourism that strengthens the island's identity and historical value.