The enchanted "City of Parella": submerged mysteries in the waters of Menorca
Uncover the hidden charm beneath the waters of Menorca. A enchanted city emerging only on the day of Sant Joan? Immerse yourself in this mysterious narrative full of magic, lost fortune, and the quest for purity. Dare to explore the secrets that Menorca holds in its depths? Unveil the unforgettable story that has captivated generations in Menorca: 'The Enchanted City of Parella.'
Surrounded by lush nature and adorned with picturesque villages, the island of Menorca exudes mystery and tradition through tales passed down from generation to generation. These are the famed legends briefly touched upon in our article "Menorca: An Island of Legends." Among its most popular myths, one stands out—a legend of a city enchanted or spellbound, submerged in the waters between Mallorca and Menorca, near the shores of Ciutadella, reminiscent of Plato's Atlantis. Today, we delve into the history or legend of the "Ciutat de Parella."
Francesc Camps recounts that towards the west, off the coast of Ciutadella, on the day of Sant Joan, it's possible to glimpse a city "com sortida de ses ones" (like emerging from the waves). This is the phantom "Ciutat de Parella" that briefly appears before being submerged again beneath the waters of the Menorca channel.
According to a popular tale, a boy, following his masters' instructions to sharpen the plowshare, unwittingly entered the city of Parella one day, with its houses, churches, and wealth. The boy returned with pieces made of pure silver. Surprised, the master gave him the same task the next day, and the young man returned once again, this time with the humble tool transformed into a fortune.
The owners of the house, astonished and curious about the enigmatic situation, followed the lad the next day. Instead of heading towards Ciutadella, the boy headed to the coast. However, the city had vanished, disappearing due to the presence of those who followed him. The innocence of the boy, who could penetrate the world of the magical city, was nullified by the avarice and curious interest of the adults.
Legend has it that upon realizing this, the master exclaimed, "açò era sa ciutat de Parella i avui l'hauries desencantada si noltrus no t'haguessim seguit; ara serem pobres tota sa vida" (this was the city of Parella, and today you would have disenchant it if we hadn't followed you; now we will be poor for the rest of our lives). To undo the enchantment of the submerged city, it required the touch of someone pure three times in a row. In return, the one who disenchant it would receive a fortune. Since this couldn't be achieved, the city remained enchanted forever unless "es dia de Sant Joan, se trobien se trobin set Joans i set Joanes sense sebre res un de s'altre." The lyrics of a popular Menorcan song tell the tale:
They say there's a city, a mysterious city,
near Ciutadella.
They say in the middle of the sea,
submerged is
the city of Parella.They say fairies and witches
enchanted it
many years ago.
They say it will be disenchanted
if one day seven Johns and seven Joans
are found
by the sea shore
if one day seven Johns and seven Joans
are found.City of Parella (City of Parella),
Enchanted city (Enchanted city),
Sunken city (Sunken city)
in the middle of the sea.
You're part of Menorca (You're part of Menorca);
You're part of this island.
One day I would like
your great mystery
to unveil.
One day I would like
your great mystery
to unveil.They say there's a city, a mysterious city,
near Ciutadella.
They say in the middle of the sea,
submerged is
the city of Parella.They say fairies and witches
enchanted it
many years ago.
They say it will be disenchanted
if one day seven Johns and seven Joans
are found
by the sea shore
if one day seven Johns and seven Joans
are found.City of Parella (City of Parella),
Lyrics of the Menorcan folk song 'Ciutat de Parella'
Enchanted city (Enchanted city),
Sunken city (Sunken city)
in the middle of the sea.
You're part of Menorca (You're part of Menorca);
You're part of this island.
One day I would like
your great mystery
to unveil.
One day I would like
your great mystery
to unveil."
Currently, there are two "fincas" near Ciutadella called Parella and Parelleta, which are, it seems, where the disappeared City was once located.
As the reader will appreciate, Menorca's legends are filled with magic, charms, spells, love, and heartbreak, and above all, with that duality between the earthly and the spiritual, between the material and the immaterial or eternal; and this story or legend could not be an exception.
We hope you have enjoyed discovering this small piece as a glimpse of Menorcan folklore, thanks to the legend of 'Ciutat de Parella.
