What to see in Ciutadella de Menorca

Come on and discover the hidden treasures of Ciutadella

The Citadel of Menorca (better known as the Ciutadella de Menorca or simply Ciutadella), is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and most visited cities on the island. Its historical past, streets full of charm and varied tourist offer make it a must see in Menorca. In this article we will show you the main attractions to see and visit in the Ciutadella de Menorca. Do not miss it!

HISTORICAL CENTRE OF CIUTADELLA
THE CATEDRAL OF MENORCA
ES BORN PLAZA
SAINT NICHOLAS CASTLE
PORT OF CIUTADELLA
MUNICIPAL MUSEUM OF CIUTADELLA
OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN CIUTADELLA
HOW TO GET TO CIUTADELLA OF MENORCA
 

HISTORICAL CENTRE OF CIUTADELLA

Vista de una de las principales calles peatonales del Casco Antiguo de la Ciudadela.

The historical centre, protected as a Bien de Interes Cultural (Cultural Interest Asset), is one of the main tourist sites on the island since here is where most of the monumental and historical buildings of Ciutadella can be found: palaces, the Cathedral of Santa Maria, Ses Voltes Street and busy squares full of shops and restaurants.

What is known today as the “Contramurada” is a walk around the entire old city, which was walled until the nineteenth century and that marks the limits of the ancient citadel. The significant architectural difference between this historical centre and the rest of the modern part of Ciutadella is immediately apparent.

THE CATEDRAL OF MENORCA

Fachada de entrada principal de la Catedral de Santa María.

Located in the heart of the old town, the Cathedral of Santa María, popularly known as the Cathedral of Menorca, represents one of the most emblematic icons of the Citadel of Menorca. This cathedral in the Catalan Gothic style, was built in the fourteenth century over an old Muslim mosque by order of Alfonso III of Aragon. Its structure has a single nave and several side chapels, of which the Chapel of Las Animas (The Souls) is notable and a valuable sample of Menorcan Baroque from the 18th century.


ES BORN PLAZA

Vista aérea del obelisco de la Plaza Des Born.

The Plaza Des Born (Plaça Des Born), the city's old main square, marks the entrance to the historical centre of the Ciutadella and is the site chosen as the setting for popular festivities, among which the festivities of San Juan (Sant Joan de Ciutadella) are noteworthy. The 22-metre high obelisk presides in the middle of the square, in commemoration of the heroic defence of the Citadel during the Turkish attack in 1558. There are several recommended sites to visit in the vicinity: the Town Hall of the Citadel, the theatre, the Torre Saura Palace and the Salort Palace, among others.


SAINT NICHOLAS CASTLE

Vista de fachada lateral del Castillo de San Nicolás y alrededores.

Strategically located at the entrance to the port, by the sea, is Saint Nicholas Castle (Castle of Sant Nicolau). It was built in the late seventeenth century to defend the port of the Ciutadella de Menorca and differs from other Menorcan watchtowers in that it is the most modern and elegant on the island.


PORT OF CIUTADELLA

Vista aérea del Puerto de la Ciudadela de Menorca.

The port is, without a doubt, the meeting point for food and leisure in the Ciutadella, and as such a must visit before leaving the city. Initially intended for the commercial and maritime fishing traffic of the ancient capital, it now hosts a variety of restaurants, terraces, shops and recreational boats.

MUNICIPAL MUSEUM OF CIUTADELLA

Vista de la fachada del Bastión de Sa Font, donde se ubica el Museo Municipal de la Ciudadela.

The Municipal Museum of Ciutadella is located in the Bastion of Sa Font, built in 1677, and houses many of the island's historical treasures. It is a general history and archaeological museum with a permanent exhibition on the history of Menorca, which shows paleontological remains, jewellery and everyday objects. Throughout the year, temporary exhibitions on archaeological, historical and ethnological subjects are also organized.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT IN CIUTADELLA

Fachada del Ayuntamiento de la Ciudadela de Menorca.

Ciutadella is one of the most beautiful cities in Menorca and is full of true architectural gems, so we invite you to explore it from end to end. In addition to the above sites to see in the Ciutadella de Menorca, we also recommend you visit the Convent of Saint Agustine (San Agustí), the Plaza de la Libertad square, Ciutadella market, the Roser Church, the Town Hall, the Torre Saura palace and the nearby coves: Es Talaier, Del Pilar and Algaierens.

HOW TO GET TO CIUTADELLA OF MENORCA

Menorca is a fairly small island, so it is very easy to get around it by any means of transport. Public bus lines connect both large population centres, Mahon (Maó) and Ciutadella, as well as the most touristic developments on the island, so getting to Ciutadella is very simple, you just have to follow the indications below.


On the other hand, Menorca is an excellent city to visit by bicycle. It is practically flat and the distances between the different points of interest are relatively short. Its two main cities, Ciutadella and Mahon, are separated by about 50 kilometres that run through six routes in the interior of the island, parallel to the main road. Grab a bike and experience a different adventure!