Mahon (MAO) is the capital of Menorca and became so during the
British rule (1708-1756 later 1798-1802). Founded originally by
the Carthaginians, legend being General Magon, brother of Hannibal,
named the town. The architecture of Mahon is varied & cosmopolitan,
with an English influence in many parts, combining open spaces with many
narrow streets and passages. Much of the islands administration &
public services are concentrated in the town. In medieval times the town
was walled. The San Roque Arch (app 1500 a.d) being virtually the only
remaining part of the old walls.
The focal point for Mahon is the magnificent harbour (the second
largest natural harbour in the world after Pearl harbour). At the port
entrance, the most easterly point of Spanish territory is the military
fort of La Mola, and more recently up until 1968 it was Spain's most
notorious jail.
A good way to see the harbour is from one of the many boat trips, some
trips even venture out for the whole day to remote beaches. It is
rumoured Lord Nelson stayed on Golden Farm with Lady Hamilton
overlooking the harbour, he certainly visited the island but there is no
evidence he stayed on the farm.
There are bars and restaurants all along the quay side, and there's
nothing better on a summer's evening than watching the yachts and large
cruisers coming and going.
Ciutadella
Ciutadella was the original capital, and still is the religious capital of the
island. The British decided the harbour at Mahon was strategically more
important and moved the seat of power. But the religious leaders refused
to move.
There is a wealth of splendid architecture in Cuitadella, especially the palaces of
noble Menorcan families and the many Churches. Ciutadella has a very
different character & atmosphere from other parts of Menorca, an air
of grandeur & aristocracy more reminiscent of major Spanish cities.
Originally a walled city, the walls are now virtually demolished to
allow for expansion in the last century. The small and very picturesque
port, a major tourist attraction, is a short walk from the vast main
square the Place des Born - the venue for the celebrated fiestas of Sant
Joan, regarded by the Spanish as important as the fiestas of Pamplona. A
good road runs between the two towns (in some parts its almost like a
motorway). Branches from this road lead to almost every other town and
beach. Almost at the centre of the island is Monte Toro, at 357 m above
sea level it is the highest point on Menorca. At the top is a chapel. A
good road winds all the way up or you can walk, there are breath taking
views of the whole island and on a clear day you can see Majorca. There
is a small restaurant and gift shop and lots of television and radio
masts! still that's progress for you.
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