In the time of the first settlements
The Ca na Costa megalithic tomb (2000 BC) is the oldest remains on Formentera (and the Balearics!). Located near Estany Pudent, it bears witness to an elaborate burial ritual. Its central, circular chamber is framed by imposing vertical slabs, surrounded by three concentric circles and 22 paved spokes... a mysterious pattern whose symbolism has yet to be fully revealed!
Another fascinating site is that of the Cap de Barbaria deposits, occupied between 1600 and 1000 BC. Its layout is made up of a series of enclosures, each with a circular, elliptical or horseshoe shape. This layout illustrates a clever mastery of space, judiciously divided according to the functions of each plot (residential space, work area, etc.).
The former Fromentaria, the Romans' grain island, is home to a precious witness to their passage: the Castellum de Can Blai, a square building dating from the 3rd and 4th centuries, with four towers at its corners. It was probably never completed, however, as there are no signs of occupation.
Defensive and religious architecture
In the 18th century, Formentera was a regular target for freebooters. To defend itself against pirates from North Africa, the island adopted a defensive architecture, erecting four circular defense towers on its coasts, in addition to the tower of Sa Guardiola (1749), located on the northern islet of s'Espalmador. These stone sentinels are complemented by fortified churches, the finest example of which is undoubtedly the church of Sant Francesc Xavier, which combines both religious and military functions. Its structure is extremely simple: rectangular in plan, with a single nave and barrel vault. The defensive aspect is evident in the thickness of the walls (2 meters!), but also in the solid iron gates.
The development of urban cores
The 19th century marked a period of upheaval, with the emergence of the first urban nuclei centered around the churches of Sant Francesc, Sant Ferran and La Mola, whereas previously housing had been scattered. In terms of individual housing, Formentera initially adopted the traditional canons of Ibiza, with houses made up of juxtaposed cubic volumes, with flat roofs waterproofed with a clay mixture, complete with gutters for rainwater drainage. The openings in these houses are generally small and narrow. Gradually, flat roofs gave way to gable-tiled roofs, and windows became much larger... a sign that external threats were diminishing!
Some examples of small-scale heritage
Among the proud representatives of the island's small-scale heritage is the Moulin de la Mola (1778). It's the oldest and one of the best preserved, with its wooden mechanism and small whitewashed staircase.
The dry-stone walls are also worth mentioning. They are built without mortar, thanks to an ingenious assembly system that ensures their stability. Their upper part is crowned with slabs protruding from one side, preventing animals from jumping from one plot to another. Crosses cut into the rock, crenellations of stone and mortar, or sets of small slabs buried vertically in the ground... their shapes are varied.
Water architecture
With no springs or rivers, Formentera had to adapt and design its architecture to ensure a reliable water supply. This is the role of cisterns and reservoirs. Dug into the ground, cisterns are rounded in shape, while reservoirs are rectangular and covered with a barrel vault. In both cases, the openings are protected by a chapel. Fine examples can be seen at La Mola.
Wells are another great example of water architecture. Some have very elaborate structures, with a high railing completely covering the upper part of the well, creating a kind of chapel similar to those found in cisterns and reservoirs. Other examples of this ingenious architecture are the water wheels used to extract water from the basins, and the piping systems used to irrigate the land, many of which can be admired in the area around Ses Clotades and Es Carnatge.
Finally, as you stroll along the shoreline, you'll no doubt have spotted some small wooden sheds. These are the "escars" or slipways, a system of inclined wooden guide bars over which boats are slid. To protect the boats from the sun and rain, a wooden awning is usually built into the upper section. Many of these small boathouses can be seen at Cala Saona, Es Calo and Ses Illetes.
Continuing traditions
While some localities (such as Es Pujols) have urbanized to accommodate growing tourism, Formentera has managed to preserve its superb coastal landscapes thanks to strict town-planning regulations prohibiting construction within 100 meters of the beaches. Contemporary architects, such as Marià Castelló, have created sleek, modern structures that embrace natural panoramas while using traditional materials. The whitewashed villas follow the tradition of cubic volumes and feature large bay windows opening onto the Mediterranean. Chiringuitos, or beach bars (now equipped with solar panels!), have also endured. In fact, they're a must when visiting the island!
