Post by pigeonpie on Aug 28, 2008 20:52:14 GMT
Dignifies, aristocratic, ancient, secretive and deliciously Mediterraneans all describe Ciutadella. An historic show piece which has failed to be spoilt by the twentieth century.
Like Mahon, it was originally named by the Carthaginians, who called it Jamma. It was the original capital of Menorca until the British moved it to Mahon in the eighteenth century. However the Bishop refused to move and consequently Ciutadella still remains the religious capital of Menorca.
One of the best places to view the harbor is from the main square, Plaza d'Es Born. Once used for jousting and similar pursuits, the center of the square is dominated by an obelisk which commemorates the historic defense of the city in 1558 when it was besieged by the Moors.
On one side of the square is the magnificent Town Hall which was once a fortress. Facing this across the square is a Palace Torre Saura, and to one side of this is an alley, which leads into the heart of the old city.
Here time has stood still. Most of the streets are narrow and typically Mediterranean, but there are traces of French, English and Moorish architecture. The latter is best demonstrated by the arches Ses Voltes, which provide a most unusual arcade along the main street.
The Cathedral in the Plaza de Pio XII, completed in 1362 took over half a century to build and is a fine example of the city's many churches and palaces.
Like Mahon, it was originally named by the Carthaginians, who called it Jamma. It was the original capital of Menorca until the British moved it to Mahon in the eighteenth century. However the Bishop refused to move and consequently Ciutadella still remains the religious capital of Menorca.
One of the best places to view the harbor is from the main square, Plaza d'Es Born. Once used for jousting and similar pursuits, the center of the square is dominated by an obelisk which commemorates the historic defense of the city in 1558 when it was besieged by the Moors.
On one side of the square is the magnificent Town Hall which was once a fortress. Facing this across the square is a Palace Torre Saura, and to one side of this is an alley, which leads into the heart of the old city.
Here time has stood still. Most of the streets are narrow and typically Mediterranean, but there are traces of French, English and Moorish architecture. The latter is best demonstrated by the arches Ses Voltes, which provide a most unusual arcade along the main street.
The Cathedral in the Plaza de Pio XII, completed in 1362 took over half a century to build and is a fine example of the city's many churches and palaces.
