Have you ever wondered how Palma’s harbor was defended? Today, we explore Fortí d’Illetes. This fort played a crucial role in the bay’s defense. It stands as the first modern military installation in the Calvià area.
Let’s step back to the late 19th century. The Spanish military planned two fortresses. One was Cap Enderrocat. The other was right here at Illetes. Their overlapping fire would protect Palma’s harbor.
Construction of Fortí d’Illetes began in 1897. The fort has a unique shape. It is a skewed trapezoid with a straight rear. A dry moat surrounds it. This moat is protected by three double caponiers and a rear ditch defense. The “buried” buildings are a striking feature. They are hidden from view. Only steep-angle fire could hit them. Initially, the fort had eight 15 cm cannons.
The Spanish-American War in 1898 sped up construction. A temporary battery was built in just 12 days. This protected Palma’s harbor. It included two 15 cm Ordóñez cannons and four B.C. 15cm cannons.
In 1899, a royal decree ordered an electric Mangin spotlight for Fortí d’Illetes. Buildings were added. These housed the power generators, machinists, and the spotlight shed. The fort was officially handed over to the Spanish artillery on December 29, 1903. By 1904, four 15cm cannons were replaced with 24cm howitzers. Construction for this was completed in 1905.
Between 1917 and 1918, a rangefinder and command post were built. From 1939, small renovations improved the soldiers’ living conditions. A bunker for fire control was added in 1945.
Interestingly, part of Fortí d’Illetes was used as a military prison from 1944. Later, the entire fort became a military prison. By 1958, Fortí d’Illetes lost its importance. More modern batteries were built east and west of Palma. The Spanish army completely abandoned Fortí d’Illetes in the winter of 1996-97.
The fort extends beyond the moat. It includes areas on Illetes beach. These external spaces were for recreation and instruction. They also served as living quarters. Over time, these areas were modernized and expanded.
During the Spanish Civil War, the prison area held Republican carabinieri and non-commissioned officers. Executions took place here. The prison consisted of barracks. Today, they are deteriorated with barely any roofing.
In 1997, the land was returned to its former owners. Today, a British investment group owns this old fortress. The Consell de Mallorca declared Fortí d’Illetes a Site of Cultural Interest. It recognized it as an example of 19th and early 20th-century military architecture.
Consider this. Fortí d’Illetes was part of Palma Bay’s defense system. This system included fortifications in San Carlos, Portixol, Torre d’en Pau, Cap Blanc, and Cap Enderrocat. Fortí d’Illetes was not just within its walls. Its facilities extended to the beach. This integration shows a comprehensive approach to defense and military life.
Today, Fortí d’Illetes stands silent. It is a reminder of a time when the island needed protection. Its history offers us a glimpse into military strategy. It also shows the daily lives of soldiers stationed here. Take a moment to appreciate its history.