In June of 2010 we were holidaying on the island of Menorca. The island has much to offer and although we have visited the island many times, we had never visited La Mola, a fortress situated just outside of Mahon.
The fortress of Isabel II, La Mola, is one of the major European fortresses built in the 19th Century.
Built during the period 1848 to 1875 it was largely out of date before construction was complete.
The fort became a victim of technological advances, the change from muzzle loading artillery to the more powerful breech loading variety, complete with rifled bores. Instead of grouping the guns within the fortress, a series of coastal batteries were introduced.
This gallery, 390 meters long, is formed by 48 arches that house 48 casemates, in each of which there are two loopholes for riflemen. This defensive front served to defend the moat.
In this small inlet, ships would anchor, during the 18th and 19th centuries.
This is the first line of defense against a land attack and where the main artillery pieces were placed.
Hopefully, these few pictures give you some idea of La Mola. The place is huge and you need to allow a good couple of hours to do it justice,
