The Talayotic Menorca Agency and the Societat Històrico-Arqueològica Martí i Bella (SHAMB) have launched a conservation and enhancement project for the Torrenova d'en Lozano archaeological site, located in Ciutadella. This Sunday, March 16, the conseller of Cultural Affairs and President of the Talayotic Menorca Agency, Joan Pons Torres, visited the site accompanied by Carmela Sánchez, President of SHAMB, to observe the ongoing clearing and cleaning work and to support the volunteers participating in the initiative. The project is backed by the Consell Insular de Menorca, which has provided resources for the clearing efforts.
This initiative is part of a two-year project (2025-2026) aimed at preserving the site and preventing its deterioration. The work is carried out through monthly volunteer sessions, with the first session held on February 16 and the upcoming ones scheduled for March 16, April 13, and May 18. Additional sessions will be planned after the summer to continue the site’s restoration.
The conseller of Cultural Affairs emphasized the importance of this project and highlighted the collective effort involved: "The conservation of our heritage is a shared responsibility, and initiatives like this demonstrate the commitment of Menorcan society to its history. The volunteer sessions not only contribute to the physical restoration of the site but also raise awareness and encourage community involvement."
Finally, the conseller expressed his gratitude to SHAMB and all the volunteers participating in the project: "Without the involvement of the community and organizations like SHAMB, these projects would be much more difficult to carry out. I encourage everyone to join the upcoming sessions because protecting our heritage is a task for all of us."
Torrenova: A site at risk of degradation
The Torrenova d’en Lozano settlement is spread across two estates, with a small part of the site located within the Torrenova property. Although it is not part of the UNESCO World Heritage components, it preserves several significant structures. With at least six talayots, a taula enclosure, multiple hypostyle halls, and an underground cave, the site is a valuable testament to the island's prehistoric past.
The settlement is not currently prepared to receive visitors and is mostly covered by vegetation. This is the case for the talayot and other remains within the Torrenova estate. Since this talayot has an internal chamber, the roots of surrounding vegetation could threaten its stability, prompting the need for clearing sessions. The Talayotic Menorca Agency, responsible for managing and protecting the island’s UNESCO World Heritage sites and other prehistoric locations, has partnered with SHAMB to carry out this conservation effort.
A collective effort with conservation criteria
The volunteer sessions are open to public participation and are led by experts in archaeology and heritage conservation. The work is conducted with the utmost respect for the existing structures, avoiding tools or techniques that could compromise the site's integrity. In addition to clearing vegetation, measures will be implemented to prevent regrowth, and the state of the structures will be documented. This project aims not only to physically restore the site but also to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Menorca’s historical heritage.
Call for participation
The Talayotic Menorca Agency and SHAMB invite all those interested in heritage conservation to join the upcoming volunteer sessions. Public participation is key to ensuring the preservation of a site that is part of the island’s collective historical legacy.
Upcoming sessions: April 13, May 18 (9 AM - 1 PM)
More information and registration: shamartibella@gmail.com