Description

Embark on the experience of discovering Lazareto Island!  

Don’t miss the chance to find out how this old health fortress located in the Port of Mahón used to work and all the secrets it hides.  A fortress that was used to carry out checks on ships suspected of carrying contagious diseases. 

In 1793, in response to the arrival of the bubonic plague via ships from East and North Africa to the Minorcan coasts, Count of Floridablanca, minister under King Carlos III, announced the construction of El Lazareto de Mahón. 

 It is a unique architectural, historical and sanitary complex, originally designed to quarantine the constant epidemics caused by this disease. Previously, the British government had built a small enclosure on the island of Quarantine, which in the 19th century was only used in times of heavy crowding in the port. 

In 1817 its facilities were put into operation and after a century it ceased to function. Years later, after some remodelling, it became a venue for national and international meetings and congresses as well as a place to visit to feel and recreate what it was like to live during the 19th century thanks to the magnificent spaces and constructions that are preserved around the whole islet. 

More than 400,000 people were quarantined in Lazareto!  

Important Information

• The visit begins at the quay of Calas Fonts (Es Castell), 15 minutes before the start of the activity. 
• You will sail from the Port of Mahón with the boat that will take you to the island located about 20 minutes from the Calas Fonts quay. The guide will be waiting for you on the island and will take you to the most outstanding corners of Lazareto. 
• Wheelchair users: the width of the gangway of the boat is 70 cm.  
• Reserva tu traslado al muelle de Calas Fonts con Visita Menorca en https://visitamenorca.com/movilidad/excursiones-cami-de-cavalls-y-eventos/ . 
• Languages: Menorcan / Spanish / English / French / Italian / German.