Imagine standing in what was once one of Mallorca’s most significant prehistoric sites. This is Son Oms. Today, we’re exploring its captivating history.
Son Oms is an old estate in Palma. It sits near the airport in the Levante district. The property is close to the road from Muntanya Sa Torre to Es Teix. Sadly, Son Oms is now almost completely built upon.
Back in 1632, Joan Sunyer owned Son Oms. He also owned the neighboring Son Sunyer estate. They grew grains, legumes, and vegetables here. By 1743, Nicolau de Pueyo i Rossinyol owned it. He was a nobleman, the Marquis of Campofranco, and a knight.
The houses of Son Oms sit isolated on a small hill. They feature a courtyard. A square defense tower stands attached to the houses. Other typical Mallorcan estate buildings are also present.
But there’s more to Son Oms than meets the eye. In the 1970s, the construction of the airport’s second runway destroyed an important prehistoric site. This was Son Oms Vell. It included a Talaiotic settlement and a sanctuary.
The Son Oms site dates back to around 1200 BC. It lasted until 200 AD. Archaeologists excavated it in the late 1950s and late 1960s. Guillem Rossello Bordoy supervised these digs.
The airport’s construction led to the destruction of Son Oms. A small part of the ruins was moved. It’s now hard to reach due to a highway.
Son Oms Vell was once a ceremonial center. It covered about 10,000 square meters. It displayed many features typical of Mallorcan prehistory.
A massive stepped tumulus formed the core. It was surrounded by walls. It stood atop two pre-Talaiotic navetas. Rooms had been added to it later. Next to it was a strange structure. Excavators called it “the labyrinth”. Two circular and one square talayot were found.
The tumulus measured 25 meters in diameter. It featured three tiers. Radial rooms lined its exterior. A zigzag corridor led to the top. Some construction once existed there but had disappeared before excavation.
“The labyrinth” was 19 meters in diameter. It stood 3 meters high. It had a square core. A complex system of corridors and cells surrounded it. It connected to a cave with three chambers.
The Son Oms site also included burials. Some adults were buried with dogs. These may have been ritual sacrifices.
A sanctuary was also present. This rectangular building had an inner chamber. Six columns supported its roof. The structure and ceramic offerings suggest a place of worship.
Much of Son Oms remains unexcavated. The airport’s runway prevented further investigation.
During its use, the area was a lagoon. Humans drained it in the 19th and 20th centuries. It once had a possible outlet to the sea. Dunes later closed it off.
The Son Oms complex was extensive. It included various structures beyond the main site. Talayots, navetas, artificial caves, and necropolises were present. Nearby sites like Es Cutilar and Son Sunyer likely had connections to Son Oms.
The salvaged sanctuary is a shadow of the extensive complex that once existed. It is a rectangular building with an irregular layout. It has a double wall. The main facade measures almost 12 meters. Six columns stand inside. Archaeologists believe it was a place of worship and sacrifice. Roman pottery has been found inside.
Son Oms serves as a stark reminder. It shows the impact of progress on our heritage. Though much has been lost, the stories and memories remain.