The project will expand archaeological knowledge of the site, safeguard its structures and add the area to the visitor route
Works on the Project for the Re-excavation, Restoration and Conservation of the Western Sector of the Trepucó Talayotic Settlement began this Wednesday, 23 September. The project is being carried out by the Cardoner-Catarqueòlegs joint venture, with a total budget of €658,351.75. The President of the Island Council of Menorca, Adolfo Vilafranca, and the Councillor for Culture, Education, Youth, Sport and Heritage, Joan Pons Torres, attended the start of the works.
The project aims to uncover new archaeological evidence, improve the conservation of the existing structures and prepare the area for public access as part of the site's visitor route. The works will complete the excavation and restoration of an area that was partially investigated by the Museum of Menorca in the 1980s. Located close to the Bintaufa sports complex, the area includes a talayot with an internal passageway, a section of the settlement wall with an attached bastion, and a domestic area.
The planned intervention will involve the re-excavation, restoration and structural conservation of the western sector of the Talayotic settlement. The aim is to deepen scientific understanding of the site, ensure the long-term preservation of its archaeological remains and make the area safe and suitable for public visits.
The works will include the re-excavation of Houses 4 and 5 (C4 and C5), as well as the excavation of the areas where archaeological test trenches were carried out in the southern part of Houses 3, 4 and 5. The talayot and its adjoining bastion will also be excavated.
Structural conservation work will be carried out on the talayot and other associated remains that are at risk of collapse or falling masonry. These measures will help ensure the stability and long-term preservation of the structures.
Once the conservation work is complete, a visitor route will be established to provide safe access to the area while protecting the archaeological remains and enhancing the visitor experience.
“Since 2023, the Talayotic Menorca Agency will have invested more than one million euros in excavation and research projects. This is a commitment by the Island Council that is raising Menorca's heritage profile internationally and gives us great pride in preserving a landscape that is unique in the world,” said Adolfo Vilafranca, President of the Island Council of Menorca.