Cuitadella – Menorca’s ancient capital
Ciutadella de Menorca is an historic port city located on the western coast of Menorca, Spain. As the island’s former capital and its most populous municipality (home to over 31,000 residents), it is famous for its aristocratic architecture, narrow medieval streets, and atmospheric harbour .
Its sites and cultural events reflect the city’s history under various occupants- particularly those involving its Moorish and Christian history
Plaça des Born is the main square featuring a central obelisk that commemorates the town’s defense against a massive Ottoman invasion in 1558. It is bordered by the Town Hall and stunning palaces like Palau Salort.
Cathedral of Santa María is a striking 14th-century Catalan Gothic cathedral built right over a former Moorish mosque.
Ses Voltesi is an elegant whitewashed arcaded street running through the heart of the historic center, filled with local shops, cafes, and traditional bakeries.
Mercat des Peix is the traditional fish market located in the lively Plaça del Mercat. You can buy ulfresh local seafood or sample traditional Menorcan meats, like the local vermella menorquina beef.
Can Saura is a baroque mansion that houses the Municipal Museum, showcasing the town’s historical and talayotic archeological heritage.
The historic port is set in a narrow, scenic inlet winding below the old town walls, filled with traditional llautfishing boats and excellent seafood restaurants.
Every year around June 23–24, Ciutadella explodes with life for its spectacular summer solstice festival, featuring medieval horse games and local riders parading through packed streets. This is the city’s take on the Festival of Sant Joan.
The city also celebrates every January 17th the defeat of the Moors by Alfonso the 3rd in 1287 when Spanish Christians retook the island from North African Moors.
A more somber event is its commemoration on July 9th every year of the sacking of the city by the famous Ottoman pirate, Barbarossa in 1588 when thousands of Menorcans were captured, enslaved and sold into slave markets in North Africa and the Middle East.
Ciutadella is the gateway to some of Menorca’s most iconic turquoise-water beaches, including Cala Macarella, Cala Turqueta, and Cala Mitjana.
Destination: Spanish islands
