The Necropolis of Son Real

The Necropolis of Son Real is an archaeological site located near the sea in the municipality of Santa Margalida. Built during the period from the 7th century BC to the 2nd century BC, the site is now a public property and an interpretation center managed by the Government of the Balearic Islands. The site is approximately 98% excavated and 90% restored. It was once abandoned and damaged by human activity and the constant exposure to salt water and weather, but conservation work began in 1998.

The necropolis is located at the Punta dels Fenicis, accessible on foot from the mouth of the torrent de Son Bauló or via the Son Real public property. While in a good state of conservation, work was specifically focused on consolidating the north-east sector due to its proximity to the sea, as the first row of burials near the coast was more unprotected than the rest of the tombs in the central part of the cemetery. New excavations have increased the number of discovered graves to more than 130.

While the nearby Illot des Porros was a site of significant archaeological interest, a storm in 2001 destroyed its burial chambers. The necropolis of Son Real is one of only two sites in the region where monumental tombs and funerary chambers of the Iron Age were constructed, characterized by their proximity to the sea. Excavations at the site have revealed structures that miniaturize social and symbolic buildings, such as circular and square talayots, as well as a type of structure called micronavetas with apsidal or horseshoe-shaped plans.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons