Spain and the Balearic Islands (including Menorca) are known for their rich Roman Catholic heritage that spans centuries. Beautifully ornate cathedrals and churches, religious monuments, and colourful and evocative patron saint days all go together to make for a really exciting cultural and religious experience.
Brits love Menorca – the sun and sand, food, markets, nightlife and festivals make a stay here a whirlwind experience. But what if you want to spend just a little time during your summer break in prayer and contemplation?
There’s nothing to stop you, whatever your religious denomination, from going into one of the many churches that dot the island and just sitting inside to relax and think. But if you want a more familiar, Anglican atmosphere, one in which you also take part in the service, then the Anglican Church of Es Castell holds its door open to welcome you inside.
Es Castell – a Little Bit of England
Es Castell is a small town in Menorca, just a 10-minute drive from the capital, Mahon. What makes this town special is the fact that it was founded by the British when they controlled the island in the late 1700s. In fact, Es Castell was founded in 1771 by a British army officer named Col. Patrick Mackellar. Originally, the town was called Georgetown in honour of King George III, the then-reigning monarch. The name was later changed to Es Castell because of the town’s proximity to a large fort known to the British as St. Philip’s Castle, after the officer who built the fort.
It’s worthwhile taking the time for a stroll through this quiet little town during your summer break. The architecture is Georgian and the town’s main square, surrounded by bars, shops and coffee shops, used to be a military parade ground. The town sports two fairly secluded beaches and offers a vibrant nightlife.
If you happen to be there on Foundation Day (1st of June) then you can enjoy the celebrations based around 18th-century themes.
Spiritual Cooperation
Menorca is about 80% Roman Catholic and, until recently, there wasn’t a real Anglican community on the island. It was in the 1960s that Anglican services began to be held once every two months with a visiting cleric from Mallorca. The tiny congregation met at private homes and then at Es Castell’s Catholic church and the Spanish Evangelical Church.
In 1985, a small, little-used chapel, part of what had once been a convent, was loaned to the fledgling Anglican community by the Catholic church as a permanent place of worship. Finally, in 1991, a permanent Chaplin was appointed to the church and one has been in service ever since.
Services are held every Sunday at 9am and 11am (Common Prayer), Wednesday at 11am (Book of Common Prayer), and Friday at 11am (Healing Prayer) and are open to all. The church is a favourite place for those on a summer break to renew their vows, get married or have their children christened.
The church also runs the JaFfA club for children once every month with stories, games, arts and crafts relating to a particular theme, or topic. Check out the church’s website at http://anglicanchurchmenorca.com/ for more information.
Brenda Jaaback, Managing Director of Bartle Holidays, is a renowned Menorca expert. From its history to its people and from its wildlife to its cuisine – no secret of the island remains hidden to her. If you're planning a summer break in the Balearics, Brenda personally selects the finest properties for her clients and is the go-to person for anyone planning a relaxing holiday in Menorca. 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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