Virtual visit to the "Pedreres de S'Hostal"

The "Pedreres de S'Hostal" in Ciutadella is an non covered excavated space to extract sand stone blocks to build houses and other constructions. The sand stone, which is permeable and of different hardness and colour, has been used as a building material since the megalithic culture until now.

The s'Hostal quarries of sandstone were exploited until 1994. Líthica, a cultural association constituted with the main objective of preserving, restoring and rehabilitating the sand stone quarries, rented them in 1995 and, with the support of the Menorcan Council, has cleaned them and conditioned them to receive visits.

Visitors are able to observe the manual quarries, which are over 200 years old, and the mechanical quarries, that started working at the middle of the XX century with circular saws. The space also includes a botanic garden dedicated to the production of autochthonous plants.

Meanwhile, in July and August, the Pedreres de S'Hostal holds different cultural activities, such as films, concerts, dancing and theme festivals (see the 2002 programme).

Visiting times from April to October are from 9.30 a.m. until sunset, and in July and August from 9.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 5 to 9 p.m.

The entrance is 2,20 €. Under 12s and 65s free entrance.

More information:

- Photographic report by MenorcaWeb (27 photos)

Pedreres de S'Hostal
Camí Vell, Km 1
07760 Ciutadella
Tel. y Fax: 971 48 15 78
http://www.lithica.com
E-mail: shostal@lithica.com

Photos © BalearWeb

Date of publication: 18/08/2002

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