The talayotic village of Ses Paisses in Artá, is one of the largest and best preserved prehistoric settlements on Mallorca
The walled perimeter and the internal structures, are in a remarkably good state. It encompasses 13.500 square meters and its walled perimeter is 374 meters long. The site was declared a Historical and Artistic Monument in 1946. The first excavations, were carried out by Italian archeologist Giovanne Lilliu. He tried to link prehistoric Balearic structures to those discovered in Sardinia.
He focused on the village central area, the talayot and all the attached structures. Highlights in this area are the hypostyle and the horseshoe-shaped room, among others. Excavation works were resumed 30 years later. The foundation of the settlement is dated circa 850 BC. It is believed that the village was built around the central Talayot. Probably, the walled perimeter dates back to circa 650-540 BC. This settlement decayed under Roman rule. We must highlight the impressive doorway and the monolith placed in front of it. Great Mallorcan poet Costa i Llobera was inspired by Ses Paisses to write the poem ‘La deixa del geni grec’ (1900).
To learn more about the talayotic culture on the Balearic islands and the history of of the local area, do visit the regional museum.
Get directions to Ses Païsses in Arta
Arta
Artà is a cultural stronghold of Mallorca, it boasts diversity and wealth in many ways. The area has been occupied by human since the Bronze Ages which has left numerous landmarks and point of interest to discover all over the municipality, such as the Talayotic settlement of ses Païsses, the pilgrimage church of Sant Salvador, the modernist architecture in Ca’n Epifani, the railway station, the Franciscan convent, the Betlem hermitage, the Llevant nature park and so much more, there is really something for everyone to enjoy in Artà. In addition to the many places to visit in the area, Artà is also home to some great restaurants and romantic petit hotels situated in historical fincas and manors.