Menorca villa holidays are invariably a wonderful experience, especially during the summer months when the sun and surf are at their best. However, it’s not just about the beaches; there is also a rich and vibrant history that can put the current culture and architecture into perspective.
Whether you aim to learn more about the island’s storied past or just want to appreciate the development of its charming cultural background, you must make the time to visit these top three museums while there.
Museo de Menorca
This aptly named institution is a pretty good first choice.It is situated in a former Franciscan monastery; making full use of the remarkable Baroque architecture to add a historical flavour to its already rich descriptions. The ground floor holds the assembly area and exhibition rooms reserved for guest exhibits. The exhibits you’ll find here vary depending on what is scheduled, which can be bonus for those art aficionados that visit regularly on their Menorca villa holidays.
The first floor is where you’ll find exhibits holding items from the island’s distant past. These include tools from the Talaiotic era, weapons from the Roman invasions, andvarious mosaics and pottery pieces from the Romanand Byzantine occupational eras. On the second floor you’ll find pieces from the Moorish era as well as art from the 18th-2st centuries.
If you have a busy schedule and have enough time to visit only one museum, this should be it.
Consorcio Museo Militar de Menorca
The Balearics have a very violent past, filled with strife and conflict. The isles changed hands from various kingdoms and empires over and over again – especially during the Middle Ages and the 18th century. It’s no wonder then that there’s a military museum that preserves its martial history – even though today it’s more renowned for the extensive range of Menorca villa holidays available!
The consortium maintained by the Ministry of Defence and local governments actually covers multiple historical sites: The Little Fort of San Felipe, The Fortress Island of Isabel, The Castle of San Felipe, The Tower of Penjat and the Military Musem.The castles and fortresses are excellent sites to visit, but it is in the Military Museum in the Cala Corp Barracks where you will find a range of important exhibits. Military buffs and curious historians will find all sorts of interesting pieces, from various guns, cannons and fire systems, to extensive literature covering the various occupations of the area.
Ciutadella Museo Diocesa de Menorca
Religion played a major role on the island – and still does to an extent – which is an excellent reason to visitthe Diocesan Museum of Menorca, in the Ciutadella.The most striking thing about this particular attraction is its beautiful, cloistered design. Its many Baroque arches also define many other religious structureson the island. Built surrounding a small garden,it’s still a clear reminder of the Augustine convent it once was. You can also visit the nearby Nuestre Señora del Socorro Church, which is a beautiful example of Herrerian aesthetic.
The exhibits within are wonderful pieces that will be appreciated by anyone with a good nose for art. From beautiful paintings by artists like Pre Daura, to liturgical pieces made of gold and silver from the 17th up to the 20th century, this museum will help broaden your appreciation of religious art.
So, while of course you’ll be spending time soaking up the sun while on your Menorca villa holidays, you should also make the effort to immerse in some of the interesting history and culture of the island.
Brenda Jaaback is the Managing Director of Bartle Holidays. They can provide you with a wide selection of great accommodation for your Menorca villa holidays. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.
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