Ciutadella is located on the western coast of Menorca, and it is one of the most interesting destinations to spend time in if you’re interested in the history of the island. Most people who spend some of the summer in Menorca will take at least a day to explore Ciutadella, including the Old Town area.
Here’s what you can expect to see and experience in Old Ciutadella if you’re spending some of your summer in Menorca.
The Old Capital of the Island
Ciutadella is a historic town that dates back to Roman times. When the Romans conquered the island in second-century AD, it became an important defensive site. It later became the capital of the island until the eighteenth-century when the British moved in and gave the title to Mahon. Old Ciutadella is the most historic part of the town and, although it is a busy tourist site, it still retains its charm.
Picturesque Buildings and Cobbled Streets
If you’re staying in nearby accommodation on the island during your summer in Menorca, you can visit Ciutadella easily by car. There is public transport from various other regions of the island, but make sure you check the timetables first as it can be sporadic.
When you enter the town, the first thing you will see is a statue of a stallion at the entrance. This celebrates Fiesta de San Juan, which is the most famous festival in Ciutadella.
You can wander at a leisurely pace around the Old Town, enjoying the cobbled streets and picturesque surroundings. There are lots of interesting things to see and do, including a visit to explore Església del Roser, the ancient church which dates back to the seventeenth-century. Take time to seek out Carrer ses Voltes, where you will find lots of quirky little shops, bars and restaurants.
See the Small Port and the Main Square
You can’t visit Cuitadella without seeing the harbour and its tiny port. Stop off in a café and relax in the sun while watching the boats come in and the world go by. The main square, Plaza de’s Born, is also a wonderful place to people-watch and take a look at the famous obelisk that commemorates the attack by the Moors on the town in 1558. The square is surrounded by palaces dating back to the eighteenth-century, which make for a great photography opportunity.
The Main Attractions
Some of the other main attractions to see during your time in this lovely town are City Hall, where you can find what remains of the old wall, and museums, including Diocesan Museum and Museu Municipal de Ciutadella de Menorca.
You should also try to visit some of the colourful markets. Some of the best ones are found at Plaza del Mercat and at the Fish Market, and, during the summer, there are usually a lot of evening markets as well.
Perhaps the best way to discover Old Ciutadella for yourself is to simply stroll around and take it all in. If you’re planning to spend part of the summer in Menorca, make sure you visit this town and spend some time simply wandering around, soaking up the atmosphere of the ancient streets and the white-washed buildings.
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Brenda Jaaback is the Managing Director of Bartle Holidays. They can provide you with a wide selection of excellent villas for your summer in Menorca any liability of any kind for the information.
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