Refurbishment of Sanitja Tower Reinforces Its Cultural Value

The works reinforce this defensive site as a major landmark in the north of Menorca

What does it consist of?

Der Verteidigungsturm von Sanitja befindet sich am Eingang des Naturhafens im Norden Menorcas. Er ist Gegenstand einer Maßnahme zur Stabilisierung und Eindämmung seines Verfalls gewesen. Das Projekt soll seine Funktion als Kulturerbe und als visuelle Referenz in der Landschaft der Gemeinde Mercadal bewahren.

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Data

PROJECT TITLE IN THE CALL
Rehabilitation of the Sanitja defence tower
LOCATION
Minorca (Es Mercadal)
Entity submitting the PROJECT
Consell Insular de Menorca
Entity that executes the project
Consell Insular de Menorca
Project code
ITS2016-053
Total project amount
250.116 €
ITS granted amount
250.116 €
Executed amount
249.459 €
Call year
2016
Budget implementation status
Executed
Purpose
Cultural heritage
Budget execution
Executed: 99.74%
Last updated
02.10.2023

The project

Sanitja Tower forms part of the defensive system designed at the end of the 18th century to protect the Menorcan coastline. Built by the British in the early 19th century, it occupies a strategic position on a small rocky cliff overlooking the access to Port de Sanitja, making it a key landmark in the historic landscape of the north of the island.

The overall goal of the project was to ensure the stability, safety and survival of the structure. The works made it possible to slow deterioration and ensure that the tower continues to serve as a territorial landmark and reference point along the surrounding pedestrian routes.

The focus was on restoring the original structures by reworking the existing stones and placing them in their original position. Moreover, work was carried out inside the building to prevent rainwater from entering and to restore damaged building elements, respecting its historical arrangement.

Prior to execution, a comparative study was carried out with other defensive towers on the island, analysing recent actions and protected elements. This analysis made it possible to the define technical aspects of the work in line with the heritage context. The works were carried out under archaeological supervision, including monitoring, parametric analysis and reporting.