a PLACE you will fall in love with
Culture
PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE
Discover our Culture
Vestiges of prehistoric and protohistoric settlements, Punic remains, Roman Shipwrecks, with the second oldest salt pans in the world … A place where time stops and the traveler wonder. Monuments, unique buildings and deeply-rooted local fairs in a land you will fall in love with.
History
By the year 1300B.C. Mallorca experienced the invasion from the Talayotic people. This fact unleashed in a warrior culture typical of Mallorca and Menorca which would last until Roman times. There are many remains of this era around the island, such as the talayotic town of Els Antigors, one of the biggest names in the scientific literature since it was excavated by Colominas in the 20’s.
The salt pans of Sa Vall or the ones from Colònia de Sant Jordi date from the 4th century BC and they are the second oldest in the world since they were exploited by the Punic merchants. Salt continued to be the main source of interest for Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Christians. These same salt pans and it’s importance would explain the etymological origin of Ses Salines.
Monuments
Once in the talayotic town of Els Antigors, first thing you will see is the big talayot called “Sa Talaia Joana”, whose doors, corridors and main columns are still standing. Its height remains splendid, placing it among the biggest talayots of Mallorca.
Right next to the talayot, there are a section of wall of about 25m long that reaches one of the main entrances of the town. The portal retains it’s lintel and the insides of the wall remains in good condition.
Schedule and access:
Open all year long.
From Ses Salines, follow the Torrent street in the southwest direction to exit the village. Els Antigors are located to the left, just 1km away from the village.
THE OLD CHURCH (L’ESGLÈSIA VELLA)
This is, in fact, a very charming building. It is the first church of Ses Salines. It was built in 1664 and it was already obsolete within a year due to the increase in population. It’s classical façade has a skylight overlooking to the Sant Bartomeu’s square. Today is not longer used for religious cults, but as a cultural center. This space also hold art exhibitions, conferences as well as housing the tourist office.
OTHER MONUMENTS OF INTEREST
There are a few more things to see in Colònia de Sant Jordi, like Punic vestiges of the island of Na Guadia or the Roman boats remains near the coast. Also the monuments of military architecture deserves a visit: S’Estany, a 15th century fortified building located next to a salt pan, a 14th century watchtower called S’Avall and the tower of Ca’n Barbarà, a building next to the parochial church.
Fairs & Fiestas
SANT JORDI FESTIVITIES
Every year in April, the village of Colònia de Sant Jordi venerates it’s patron Sant Jordi. For more than a week, the village organizes various activities such as art exhibitions, concers or photography and drawing competitions among others.
Also noteworthy is the “Fira de Sal i Salaons”, which holds a market and a gastronomic exhibition with dishes and products where salt and salted products play a leading role.
SANT ANTONI
By mid-january the towns celebrates Sant Antoni. The bonfires (“foguerons” for the natives) are lit by night in collaboration with the Dimonis Maria Enganxa, a “dimonis” association.
FIRA ESPECTACLE DE 1 DE MAIG
The “Fira-Espectacle” of 1st on May is a must for anyone in town. This well established and popular festivitie is organized by Ses Salines Town Hall with the collaboration of volunteers, individuals, groups and associations, who get involved year after year.
The festival is also a sign of the arrival of the good weather: it is for this reason that the whole town of Ses Salines became the fair center of the island for three weeks, with an enormous varity of gastronomical tastes and products, especially handmade products, and a big offer of choices to spend time with for all ages.
Highlights include activities for children, show cooking, a sunday craft market and, of course, the Big Ecuestre Show.
SANT BARTOMEU
On August 24th the village celebrates Sant Bartomeu (Saint Bartholomew). Xeremiers can be hear and there are a wide variety of leisure activities for all ages, with a spotlight on sports and culture.
The festivities reach their highlight with the “Festa del Cavall” and the traditional games of “recollida de joies”, where the yongest kids in town challenge the “Dimoni Vell”.
