Archaeological collection

The museum contains the most important collection of mosaics on the Balearic Islands. In 2001, the mosaics and Father Aguiló’s collection were declared an Asset of Cultural Interest. One of the most important items is the Bàleria mosaic combining Latin inscriptions with geometric and figurative decoration

It includes ceramics spanning all the ages from prehistory to the modern period from several sites in the municipality of Manacor

• The prehistoric ceramics include items from the sa Ferradura and S’Hospitalet Vell sites
• The Roman and Late Antique ceramics include items from the shipwreck of Las Lucernas lying on the seabed of Porto Cristo and the Son Peretó Early Christian site.
• The Islamic pieces currently on display in the Islamic room come from Amagatalls Cave. The number of Islamic ceramics has increased in recent years because of urgent excavations in the centre of Manacor.
• The modern ceramics include Baltasar Pinya’s entire collection and jugs found in the vaults of the San Vicenç Ferrer Cloister and Manacor Palace.

This has been studied and catalogued by the numismatist Dr  Teresa Marot. Many of these coins were added to the collection by individuals in the second half of the 20th century. Some of the coins belong to Father Aguiló’s collection. This section increases every year as a result of archaeological excavations in the municipality of Manacor.

The metal pieces also date from prehistory to modern times. Especially noteworthy in this section are some prehistoric metal objects from Rafal de Son Servera Cave, items found on the seabed of Porto Cristo and objects from Son Peretó Basilica.

It is formed by pieces dating from the Roman era to modern times. One of the best-known pieces is the god Bacchus, displayed in the Roman room. A shrine carved in stone dating from mediaeval times depicts the Virgin Mary, St Anthony and St Michael the Archangel, surrounded by columns with a traditional Gothic capital.