THE ECOMUSEUM> What can we discover? > S'Almadrava
Relation Between Man and Sea. The Fishermen from S’Almadrava.To the east of Sanitja, we find a small building, whitewashed in the rural tradition. It is surprising to learn that it was built at the end of the 18th century. According to the chronicles, it was the first fishing industry of Minorca, and it is recorded in old maps with the name of S’Almadrava.
In 1787 a fishing company was founded in Sanitja, made up of a group of Minorcans and some experts in tuna fishing nets from the island of Sardinia.
From Sardinia they brought the cork, equipment and other necessary items. During the first year of operations they did not fish absolutely anything, and the following year they only captured 500 small tuna fish, so they were totally discouraged. The firm closed. Some years later, in 1859, there was a second attempt, this time with the help of fishermen from Benidorm, a village on the Spanish coast, but after two or three years they decided to stop the project.
Ever since, S'Almadrava has been used to provide shelter to the fishermen of Fornells working in the northwest area of Minorca.
Where Do You Sleep Vell Marí?. The eastern side of the Cap de Cavalleria shows one of the most attractive landscapes of Minorca. Facing the bay of Fornells, we discover a beautiful and winding coastline, arches like that of S'Olla, a place where the fishing eagle builds its nest. A bit to the south we see Sa Cova d'es Vell Marí (the cave of the old sailor), of which Fornells sailors tell that, fifty years ago, when they went out fishing, they could see the seals swimming. A small number of seals lived in a hidden cave, isolated from the outside world.
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