Son Fred
Son Fred is a well-preserved talayot near Sencelles, a round tower built from enormous stone blocks. Duck through its low entrance to reach the massive central pillar. The roof is gone, leaving open sky above. A short, free stop to explore Mallorca's prehistory.
Son Fred
Son Fred in 30 seconds
The essentials at a glance
Step into Mallorca's prehistory.
- Worth a visit?
- A worthwhile short stop for history lovers
- Best for
- Anyone interested in Mallorca's prehistory
- Best months
- January–June, September–December
- Time to allow
- A short stop to see the outside and interior
- Without a car
- A stop on a cycle ride or walk from Sencelles
- Parking
- Parking beside the site; plenty of space when I visited
- Highlight
- The interior and its massive central pillar
- Keep in mind
- A full-day outing — the focus is a single tower
- Access
- Natural ground and a very low entrance with a bend
Get a feel for Mallorca. Find your kind of place.
Duck through this entrance. The passage bends around a corner before reaching the chamber.
The central pillar survives, but the roof is gone. Daylight now enters from above.
A tree has grown between the stones, its trunk closely entwined with the masonry.
Getting to know Son Fred
Does Son Fred suit your plans?
What to expect and what to know before you visit.
Who it suits
- You are interested in Mallorca's prehistory and stone buildings
- You want a short stop while driving through the Pla
- You would like to see a surviving interior and central pillar close up
Things to bear in mind
- You want an extensive archaeological site to explore for hours
- You need a step-free entrance that you can walk through upright
Region
Pla de Mallorca
Season guide for Son Fred
November Worth a visit
Worth visiting in January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November and December.
Location
Location of Son Fred
- Region
- Pla de Mallorca
- Municipality
- Sencelles
- Hire car
- recommended
- Worth visiting for
- a brief stop
- Coordinates
- 39.6587,2.9120
A talayot near Sencelles
Son Fred stands on a grassy plot outside Sencelles, in the Pla de Mallorca. A talayot — talaiot in Catalan — is a prehistoric tower made from large stone blocks stacked without mortar. These buildings gave the Talayotic culture its name.
The council dates Son Fred to around 800 BC. The round tower is roughly 2,800 years old and belonged to an Iron Age settlement. Today, the visit centres on this well-preserved building.
Through the low entrance
From the grass, you can see the enormous blocks of the outer wall and the small entrance. Trees grow beside the building and between some of its stones. You need to bend well down to enter.
The passage turns around a corner through the thick wall. Beyond it, the chamber opens around its massive central pillar. The roof has gone, leaving you beneath open sky among ancient walls. Moving from the tight passage into the open chamber makes the structure particularly easy to appreciate.
What is known about its use
Son Fred was excavated in 2005 and 2006. The excavation report describes the pillar, bent entrance passage and evidence of fire. These findings do not explain every detail of how the room was used. It is not certain whether the chamber also served as living accommodation.
Imagining a dark, roofed room still helps you picture the building as it was. The central pillar and surviving wall height give you something substantial to work with.
Follow the signs
From the Ma-3120 between Sencelles and Inca, signposted lanes including Camí de Son Canyís lead to the site. Look for signs to Son Fred. Parking is beside the grounds, with a short walk across the grass to the tower.
Entry is free. Sturdy footwear is useful. Watch the low ceiling and threshold at the entrance; the interior is not step-free. There is no need to climb on the ancient walls to explore the building.
A stop on the archaeological route
Son Fred belongs to the Sencelles and Costitx archaeological route. Combine it with Son Corró sanctuary and a walk around Sencelles. If you only want to see Son Fred, plan a short stop.
Historical sources: Sencelles council — archaeological route and Javier Aramburu-Zabala — Son Fred excavation report.
Photographs
Son Fred in Mallorca
Practical details
- Parking
- Parking beside the site; plenty of space on my visit
- Time to allow
- A short stop to see the outside and interior
- Good to know
- Entry is free. Duck through the low passage and watch the stone threshold. Sturdy shoes help on the uneven ground. There is no roof, so the interior offers no shelter from rain.
- Access
- Grass and uneven natural ground, with a stone threshold at the interior entrance · Pushchairs: Cannot pass through the narrow, low entrance · Wheelchairs: The interior is inaccessible because of the low passage and threshold
- Price guide
- Admission Free (as of 2026)
- Coordinates
- 39.6587,2.9120 Google Maps Apple Maps
Within reach
Places to visit
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Distances without a driving time are measured in a straight line. The road journey can be much longer; known driving times are shown alongside.
Places to stay within reach
Explore from here
Your questions answered
Your questions about Son Fred
What is the talayot of Son Fred?
A round prehistoric tower near Sencelles, built from large stone blocks and belonging to Mallorca's Talayotic culture. Its thick walls, low entrance and central pillar are particularly clear.
How old is Son Fred?
Sencelles council dates the talayot to around 800 BC, making it roughly 2,800 years old and an Iron Age building.
Can you go inside the talayot?
Yes. A low passage bends through the wall into the chamber with its central pillar. You need to duck and step over a stone threshold. The roof no longer survives.
Is there an admission charge for Son Fred?
Independent visits to the talayot are free. Organised guided tours are offered separately.
How do you find Son Fred?
From Sencelles, follow signposted lanes off the Ma-3120 towards Inca, including Camí de Son Canyís. Follow the local signs rather than relying entirely on navigation. Parking is available beside the site.
Practical questions
When is the best time to visit Son Fred?
Recommended months: January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October, November, December.
Is Son Fred worth visiting in July and August?
July: worth considering with some reservations. It can get very hot. Visit in the morning if possible and bring water and sun protection. August: worth considering with some reservations. It can get very hot. Visit in the morning if possible and bring water and sun protection.
Do I need a hire car for Son Fred?
A car is useful
Where can I park in Son Fred?
Parking beside the site; plenty of space on my visit
Can I visit Son Fred with a pushchair or wheelchair?
Grass and uneven natural ground, with a stone threshold at the interior entrance Pushchairs: Cannot pass through the narrow, low entrance Wheelchairs: The interior is inaccessible because of the low passage and threshold
Words and photographs: Friedhelm Fischer. Exploring Mallorca since 2013 — by bike, on foot and with a camera.