History

ES MIGJORN GRAN

History

Historical overview of Es Migjorn Gran

Es Migjorn Gran is a town that has managed to preserve all the charm of traditional Menorca. Here, visitors can enjoy complete serenity, which can be felt in every corner of its narrow streets. Its whitewashed houses, mostly consisting of a ground floor and one upper story, form a complex of great beauty.

The urban center was created in the second half of the 18th century around the church of San Cristóbal (1769-1775), but it was not until 1989 that the town acquired the status of a municipality upon separating from Es Mercadal.

The tranquility here is absolute. All of Es Migjorn keeps the memory of one of its most beloved sons very much alive. This is Francesc Camps, the town doctor, an archaeologist, and a great enthusiast of folklore. The preservation of the vast majority of legends, traditions, and popular songs is owed to him.

One of its most famous legends is that of "Sa dona de marbre" (the marble woman). The legend says that she was a giantess in love with a giant from an enemy tribe. And when his parents killed him by throwing him from the top of the barranco, her grief turned her into stone. Before being knocked down by lightning, the stone really looked like a seated lady. And it is said that on windy nights, sounds like lamentations could be heard coming from it.