Museu d’Història de Manacor

Nestled in the charming town of Manacor on the eastern side of Mallorca, the Museu d’Història de Manacor (Museo de Historia de Manacor) is a treasure trove of historical artifacts and stories that span millennia. Housed in the Torre dels Enagistes, a striking Gothic building from the 14th century, this museum offers visitors a journey through time, exploring the rich and diverse history of the region.

The Torre dels Enagistes: A Historical Edifice

The Torre dels Enagistes, often referred to as the Tower of the Jesuits, serves as the picturesque setting for the Museu d’Història de Manacor. This grand structure, located just 600 meters southeast of Manacor's town center, was acquired by the municipality in 1985 to relocate the former Archaeological Museum. The tower's name dates back to the period after 1651 when it came into the possession of the Society of Jesus, a Catholic religious order founded by St. Ignatius of Loyola. Following the suppression of the Jesuits in Spain in 1767 by King Charles III, the building transitioned to royal and subsequently private ownership. In 1925, the Spanish Ministry of Culture declared the Torre dels Enagistes a national artistic and historical monument, recognizing its cultural significance.

From Archaeological to Historical Museum

The Museu d’Història de Manacor evolved from the town's earlier Archaeological Museum, which originated from an exhibition in the Manacor rectory known as the Museo Monseñor Aguilles. This initial collection was inspired by the discovery of the late antique basilica at Son Peretó by Mn. Joan Aguiló i Pinya in 1908. The findings from Son Peretó were initially housed in the Torre de ses Puntes in downtown Manacor. However, the collection faced several relocations, each time suffering losses and damages, until it found a permanent home in the Torre dels Enagistes in 1993. This move allowed for the transformation of the Archaeological Museum into a comprehensive historical museum, showcasing a broader spectrum of artifacts from various periods of Manacor's past.

Exhibition Halls: A Journey Through Time

The Museu d’Història de Manacor is divided into several thematic rooms, each dedicated to a different era of the region's history.

Prehistoric Hall

As you enter the museum, the first room on the left is the Prehistoric Hall, displaying artifacts from the early history of Manacor. The exhibits are organized chronologically, covering the Vortalaiotic period (circa 1700–1100 BC) and the Talaiotic period (circa 1100–123 BC). Highlights include the bones of the Myotragus balearicus, an extinct species of goat endemic to Mallorca and Menorca, and various artifacts from the S’Hospitalet Vell archaeological site. These items provide a glimpse into the lives of the island's ancient inhabitants, who constructed impressive stone structures known as naviformes and talaiots.

Roman Hall

Next, visitors enter the Roman Hall, which houses artifacts from the Roman occupation of Mallorca, beginning in 123 BC. The room contains five glass cases filled with ceramics, bronze nails, oil lamps, and coins, all found within the Manacor region. A standout piece is the stone head of Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, discovered at Son Mas Vell. The hall also features three amphorae and anchor parts, illustrating the maritime connections of ancient Mallorca.

Late Antique Hall

The Late Antique Hall, also known as the Early Christian Room, showcases the treasures unearthed from the basilica of Son Peretó. This early Christian church, dating back to the 5th century, was constructed in the style of Syrian-Palestinian and North African basilicas. The room's centerpiece is the mosaic-covered grave of Baleria, a woman whose remains were found beneath the mosaic. The hall also displays other mosaics from Son Peretó, a segment of the altar, a Byzantine cross-engraved tombstone, and various ceramics and small finds, all dating to the 6th century when the Balearic Islands were part of the Byzantine Empire.

Islamic Hall

The Islamic Hall, located on the west side of the Torre dels Enagistes, features artifacts from Mallorca's Moorish period (902–1229). During this time, Manacor, known as Manqūr, was the largest district of Mayūrqa. The hall includes five display cases and a wall-mounted exhibit detailing the history of Islamic Mallorca. The most notable artifact is the mid-10th-century gravestone of Sulaymān ibn Mansūr, discovered during construction work on Manacor's parish church. The inscription on the gravestone, translated from Arabic, offers a poignant glimpse into the past: In the name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate. O people! Surely, the promises of God are true. This is the grave of Sulaymān ibn Mansūr. May God's mercy be upon him, and His forgiveness and approval. He died on Sunday, the 26th of Dhu al-Qa'da in the year 357.

Visitors to the Museu d’Història de Manacor will find themselves immersed in the rich tapestry of Manacor's past, from prehistoric times through the Roman and Byzantine periods, and into the Islamic era. Each room offers a unique window into the lives and cultures of the people who once inhabited this vibrant region. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual visitor, the museum provides a fascinating and educational experience that brings the history of Manacor to life.