The peninsula of La Mola, lies on the north at the entrance of the harbour of Mahón on the Mediterranean island of Menorca, and covers an area of over one square Kilometre. Also known as 'Fortaleza de la Mola' and 'La Mola Fortress', this fortification was built over a span of more than two decades from 1848 – 1875, during a time when France and Great Britain were at arms over control of the Mediterranean Ocean and the port of Maó.
Aside from the Fortress and the gun emplacements (which are open to the public), La Mola also has a number of large military buildings, such as these seen here from the harbour.
The building on the far left in the picture above is a Military Prison which was used from 1948 to 1970.
The prison has two wings, North and South.
The front of the prison has an imposing entrance
The side of the prison still has the cell bars attached
Inside the entrance door, the motto 'TODO POR LA PATRIA' (translated means 'ALL FOR THE NATION') reminds inmates of their allegiance to Spain.
Further along, stairs lead up to the veranda and upper floors of the North and South Wing cells
On the veranda, you can still see the hook in the ceiling beams and the trap door in the floors.........
Finally, some shots of the cells themselves
Whilst this was a 'with permission' visit, it was clear from the general state of the interior, that not many people bother to venture into here. There is no sign of vandalism or litter, and aside from tonnes of pigeon sh!t everywhere, the place has been pretty much left to it's own devices since the 1970's. The upper floors are in a pretty dangerous state now, and the North wing is especially hazardous due to many of the roof stones having collapsed and fallen through the floor.
Aside from the Fortress and the gun emplacements (which are open to the public), La Mola also has a number of large military buildings, such as these seen here from the harbour.
The building on the far left in the picture above is a Military Prison which was used from 1948 to 1970.
The prison has two wings, North and South.
The front of the prison has an imposing entrance
The side of the prison still has the cell bars attached
Inside the entrance door, the motto 'TODO POR LA PATRIA' (translated means 'ALL FOR THE NATION') reminds inmates of their allegiance to Spain.
Further along, stairs lead up to the veranda and upper floors of the North and South Wing cells
On the veranda, you can still see the hook in the ceiling beams and the trap door in the floors.........
Finally, some shots of the cells themselves
Whilst this was a 'with permission' visit, it was clear from the general state of the interior, that not many people bother to venture into here. There is no sign of vandalism or litter, and aside from tonnes of pigeon sh!t everywhere, the place has been pretty much left to it's own devices since the 1970's. The upper floors are in a pretty dangerous state now, and the North wing is especially hazardous due to many of the roof stones having collapsed and fallen through the floor.
