Ciutadella, in the footsteps of the walled city

The flat terrain and the small size of Ciutadella mean visitors can explore the main attractions of the city in the most sustainable way: walking. This walking tour arouses the curiosity and delight of those seeking to explore history and culture in a setting of Mediterranean charm. This route immerses visitors in the fascinating evolution of Ciutadella, weaving the chronicles of the past in each cobbled corner.

Ciutadella, ancient walled city

Ciutadella was protected until the 19th century by a wall. Remnants are still visible to this day, for example, in the picturesque old harbour, right next to the town hall. This wall had five gates. One of them was in Plaça d'Alfons III, also known as Plaça de Ses Palmeres. Here, every 17 January, on the day of Sant Antoni Abad, the town council commemorates the entry of the Catalan-Aragonese troops in 1287 and the conquest of Menorca, which at that time was under the control of the Almohad Arabs. But this is not the only reminiscence of the city wall: even today the cathedral bells continue to toll slowly at dusk, as they did in the old days, to warn the inhabitants of the closing of the city gates. 

Stately homes

One of the most significant vestiges of the nobility and power that Ciutadella was home to centuries ago are the manor houses, all of them located within the city walls. Most are privately owned and can only be seen from the outside or have been converted into luxury hotels, but some owners have started to offer guided tours, which is a great way of admiring these small palaces from the inside. Many others are now owned by public bodies, such as Can Saura Miret, today the Can Saura Museum, or Can Saura Morell, which houses the municipal art centre. 

The Cathedral of Minorca: Catalan Gothic blending a multitude of styles

Our journey takes us to the majestic Cathedral of Menorca, built on the ruins of an ancient mosque by King Alfonso III. This Catalan Gothic monument is the tallest building in the city, and its silhouette can be recognised from different points of the municipal district. It has been looted many times and, as a result, a variety of styles can be detected as we walk through its naves, immersing ourselves in the artistic and spiritual splendour that has permeated the city over the centuries.

The Llabrés pharmacy, the only modernist jewel in Ciutadella

Among the arches of the Passeig de Ses Voltes is the old Llabrés pharmacy, one of the few vestiges of modernism in Menorca. The stained glass windows of the former pharmaceutical laboratory are the main jewel in a collection of furniture and decorative elements protected for their heritage value. This pharmacy was closed in 1983. In 2009, it was bequeathed to King Felipe and Queen Letizia and the grandchildren of the emeritus monarchs by a wealthy Menorcan businessman. In order to preserve this legacy, the monarchs established a foundation, which was charged with restoring the pharmacy. Subsequently, they ceded its use to the Foundation for People with Disabilities of Menorca, an entity that undertook the restoration of the furniture and which currently manages visits to the building.

Plaça des Born, town hall and theatre

The Plaza des Born, located in the heart of Ciutadella, is where the network of narrow streets of the old part of the city come to an end. At its centre stands an obelisk, built in the 19th century to commemorate the city's resistance and defeat of the Turks in 1558. In summer, the Plaça des Born hosts an interesting craft market, where you can find unique pieces of art, decoration, jewellery and Mediterranean fashion. The square also houses the Town Hall, a former royal fortress built on the site of a Moorish castle. The Teatre des Born, two impressive stately homes, the Palau Salort and the Palau Torre-Saura and the modest parish church of Sant Francesc round out the list of emblematic buildings. 

The fish market

There are few things as pleasurable as touring Ciutadella's local produce market. Located in Plaça de la Llibertat, it plays host to a burst of aromas and colours that awaken the senses. This space, full of vitality, connects visitors with the culinary and artisan traditions of Ciutadella. Local products, such as cheeses, sausages, honey and homemade bread, pastries, fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, tell the stories of generations who have preserved the authenticity of the island. The place is also full of authentic cafés and restaurants where you can sit down and simply be seduced by the charm of the authentic. 

Ciutadella, in its Mediterranean beauty, invites you to explore its charms on foot, offering a sustainable and enriching experience for those seeking to immerse themselves in the legacy of this captivating Menorcan town.