The Talayotic settlements and the legend of Es Tudons and Na Patarrá

Beyond the shadow of a doubt the most characteristic building in Minorca is The Naveta des Tudons, These kind of burial chambers were erected between 2000 and 1500 BC. The Naveta des Tudons is considered one of Europe's oldest intact constructions, as it is dated around 1,500 B.C. As you will see it has been preserved just wonderfully. Nevertheless, a huge stone is missing from the top of its front façade.

A traditional legend deals with such a puzzle. As most children in Minorca know, two giants where disputing the love of a young princess, the daughter of the king of the island. To put the fight to an end the King ruled that each suitor had to build a masterpiece. One of them decided to dig a well (the Pou de Na Patarrá) while the other chose to build a Naveta (the Naveta Des Tudons).

Every day while passing by the Well, carrying a block of stone to the naveta, the Giant would ask his opponent if he had already reached water. Finally, when he was taking his last stone, while walking past the well, he heard shouts of joy as the other had hit water. In a rage of envy and jealousy he threw the last stone inside the well and killed the other giant.