Ferreries lies in the most fertile area of the island of Menorca. A lot further up at 264 metres lie the ruins of a castle that survived different civilisations although there are now only traces of them left.

Its origin is unknown but a part of a bronze bull found there has led to the belief that Talayotic constructions served as the foundation to its walls. Roman ceramics and coins have also been found there in what was apparently a Roman camp set up in the spot.

Most of the ruins that have been preserved correspond to ancient Moorish layouts, the era of the fortress' greatest splendour. The oldest remains are the two towers on the circular level of the Castellet, from the 10th and the 11th Centuries. This building along with the so-called casa d'Armes (House of Arms) and a central area on the summit constitute the three main areas of the fortress.

A simple chapel in honour of the saint

During the Moorish presence in the island there was a stable population in the place, but with the Catalan conquest, the castle fell into decline and its defensive functions were replaced with its use as an observation point from which to view the coast. Curiously, it was the last stronghold to surrender to the Christian troops on January the 21st 1287.

Later a small, architecturally simple and austere temple was constructed which they called the Santa Ągueda chapel on the orders of Leonora of Portugal, wife of Pere IV. Popular worship was extensive and there are ancient documents that speak of pilgrimages to the hermitage on the saint's feast day.

A stony path in good condition leads to the highest point of the castle where a good part of the sumptuous north coast of Menorca can be viewed.

Beneath this lies Ferreries, where farmers tout their produce on Saturdays in a multi-coloured market. Fruit and vegetables, cheese, honey, dried fruit and other such tasty delights are on display for the visitor.

To get to the Santa Ągueda Castle by the road that goes to Ciutadella, you have to go towards Els Alocs.