Sunday, December 22, 2024

Oldest building in Europe can be found on a popular spot in the Balearic islands

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The Balearic islands are home to many wonderful and popular sites with roughly 19 million visitors each year.

One spot located in the western part of the island, approximately 3 miles out from Ciutadella you will find the oldest construction in Europe.

With a height of 13 metres that’s shaped in an inverted ship, this site is one of the most visited spots in Majorca.

Known as The Vessels of Woodpigeons, or the Nateta des Tudons, this iconic structure still remains in excellent condition despite its age.

It also remains Spain’s most beautiful and important monument on the island.

The Naveta des Tudons has become the most widely visited prehistoric monument on the Balearic island and was created in 1130-820 BC.

This ancient structure was restored in the late 1960s which primarily focussed on the monument’s apse and roof which had fallen down over the years.

The monument’s walls are rubber-filled with massive stones placed together without mortar with two chambers inside.

The oldest building is listed as a Historical-Artistic Monument and is privately owned.

Experts hypothesize its creation was originally used for funerary purposes in the Bronze Age as human remains were discovered during excavations of this site.

Alongside human remains, personal objects were also recovered including bracelets, bone buttons, knives, spearheads, and clay pots.

The Naveta des Tudons is also one of Spain’s most accessible sites and is only a short walk to get to.

One review on TripAdvisor said: “Fascinating and so different from many archeological sites. A short easy walk from the parking lot and super acces off the highway, glad we took the time to find it.”

Another added: “This ancient burial chamber has been substantially restored, and is certainly interesting to look at.

“We combined it with some nearby sites to make for an interesting day.”

The praise for Naveta des Tudons didn’t end there with another chiming in: “This is the best-preserved monument of its type in Menorca and well worth a visit.

“It’s easy to find as it’s on the main highway not far away from Ciutadella.”

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