In Cala Morell, a residential area on the northern coast of Ciutadella, we find one of the most spectacular necropolises on the island, made up of a series of fourteen artificial caves used as a cemetery from the Middle Bronze Age until well into the first century of the Roman era.
Schedule: Open access.
Price: Free
Open: Si
Access: Access is via the road from Ciutadella to Cala Morell. Upon reaching the residential area, turn left toward the beach and parking for the monument is located just 100 m down.
It is also accessible along routes 8 and 9 of the Camí de Cavalls trail, on the Algaiarens-Cala Morell and Cala Morell-Punta Nati sections.
Road signs are posted.
Car Park: Yes
Guided tours: No
Contact:
Services: No
Access for individuals with reduced mobility: No
More information See map
More information:
The first settlers
This necropolis is highly recommended for those who would like to discover Menorca’s prehistory. Some of the caves in the necropolis have a simple layout, while others may show raised areas, freestanding columns carved out of the very rock to mark out different areas, or even small front patios.
Let’s take a look at the most noteworthy:
Cave 1: A circular space with a small niche at the back. Markings from the tools used in its construction are still easily visible on the ceiling and walls. At the entrance, the pillars and the lintel are carved in a way that imitates what was likely typical for Talayotic dwellings.
Caves 2 and 3: The façade of cave 2 is collapsed and access is through a hole opened in modern times through cave 3. A highlight is a rectangular column that mimics the shape of a taula and may even share its symbolic nature.
Cave 4: This is certainly the most monumental artificial cave in all of Menorca. The interior is divided up by pilasters and a rectangular central column, under which is a raised square structure similar to an altar or a funerary bed, with an excavated niche, also square in shape. The façade shows classical architectural motifs in relief that imitate Etruscan style cornices and Punic funerary steles, which provide this cave with notable character.
Outside the cave and along a stretch of approximately 20 m is the wall of the ravine, which includes 22 cavities excavated from the wall itself, known locally as “capades de moro”. These are frequently found both inside and outside of cave necropolises from the Late Talayotic period, although their purpose remains a mystery.
Cave 8: This cave is referred to as “oven type” thanks to its curved floor and ceiling.
Cave 9: This cave has an outer patio that has at present become a temporary pond covered in water for a large part of the year. Toward the back of the cave is a small niche dug out at floor level.
Caves 11 and 12: These are the oldest caves of Cala Morell, dated to around 1600 BC. They are of hypogeum typology with corridors built from large stone slabs.