Visit to the town of Fornells

White houses and winding streets are typical for Fornells today, where you will find several stylish taverns and restaurants. White houses are generally the most common in Menorca, often with white roofs.

The Castillo de Sant Antonio served to defend the port of Fornell. Its construction began in 1625, and it was during its construction that a village of construction workers and soldiers arose in its vicinity. This village then became the basis of present day Fornells. Finally, it came to the order of the Spanish king Charles III. to pull down the fortress. Now, after reconstruction, its remains have been opened to visitors.

The defense tower was built in Fornells by the British in 1801, it served to protect the Castillo de San Antonio fortress from the landing of enemy ships. The tower, which was originally privately owned, was bought by the city of Mercadal in 1994, the tower was reconstructed and since 2000 it has been used as a museum.

Inside the fortress, a pleasant lady will tell you the history of the tower and the island in English, and then you can tour the fortress and find out how the military garrison lived here. Although Menorca has a large number of these small defensive towers, only the Torre de Fornells is accessible as a museum.

From Torre de Fornells there is a beautiful view of the mouth of the bay. The bay is lined with small defensive batteries. There is also a small island inside the bay that houses another defense tower.