Consorcio Militar, La Mola
Volunteers at La Mola Recover Unique Pieces of Menorca’s Military Heritage
Jul
Mahón, July 22, 2026
The selfless work of the volunteers at the Isabel II Fortress in La Mola is helping to recover and preserve some of the most representative elements of Menorca’s military heritage. Since February 12, a team of about fifteen volunteers has been restoring various pieces of great historical value, contributing to preserving the memory of the island and its defensive past.
Among the work carried out, the recovery of the old 19th-century civil and military signage stands out. This signage was related to one of the first visual communication systems between Mallorca and Menorca. After Menorca’s definitive incorporation into Spain through the Treaty of Amiens in 1802, the need arose to establish a rapid system for transmitting orders and information between the Captaincy General of Palma and the Military Government of Menorca.
Another of the most remarkable projects has been the restoration of two historic cannons. The first is a twin-barreled 20x120mm anti-aircraft gun, used by the Spanish artillery during the 20th century for defense against aircraft. The second is a recoilless anti-tank infantry gun, mounted on light jeep-type vehicles and used against ground targets. This model was introduced to Spain by the U.S. Army after the Civil War and remained in service for much of the 20th century.
The volunteers have also restored an old cistern with its corresponding hand-operated fire pump, as well as a 19th-century ammunition wagon, elements that form part of the fortress’s logistical and defensive infrastructure.
The restoration of all these elements allows for the preservation of a heritage of enormous historical value and brings residents and visitors closer to the evolution of military communications and Menorca’s defensive systems over more than two centuries. The work carried out by the group of volunteers also serves as an example of commitment to preserving the island’s historical legacy and to disseminating a fundamental part of its identity.