Ciutadella Palaces – A Window Into A Glorious Past

Until 1708, when the British occupied Menorca and moved the capital to Mahon, Ciutadella, on the north western coast, was the island’s capital city. Today, this still functioning fishing port offers visitors a unique view into its glorious past through (amongst others) its magnificent palaces – of which the city has 11.

Unfortunately, we don’t have the space to describe in detail all of the Ciutadella palacesyou can visit, but we will provide you with just a taste of what awaits you as you explore the city’s past.

The Island’s Religious Capital

Ciutadella has been the seat of the island’s bishop since the 4th century AD. Even though the Brits moved the capital from Ciutadella to Mahon, the Island’s bishop at that time refused to relocate his palace and so Ciutadella remained, and remains, the centre of the island’s religious life. Even though it’s not strictly speaking a palace, take the time to visit the magnificent Cathedral of Menorca, in the old quarter of Ciutadella, which was built in 1287 on the foundations of an old mosque.

An Architectural Curiosity

When visiting and touring the Ciutadella palaces,spare the time to explore the narrow, winding alley called See Voltes (The Arches). Found in the Old City, this narrow street takes you back 300 years in time. The arched constructions were commonly used to support the mansions and palaces of the city’s rich and famous. Today, many of these buildings still survive on the original arches, some dating back to the 16th century. Today, “underneath the arches” (apologies to Bud Flanagan and his famous tune) you’ll find many souvenir shops, great little coffee shops and more.

Gaze in Wonder at the Ciutadella Palaces

Unfortunately, many of the Ciutadella palaces are not open to the public. Some may occasionally open their doors, so check with your local representative to get an update. However, even if you don’t get to see inside, the outside of some of these old buildings can be a real treat!

Many consist of a number of buildings, often with a wooden frame, built on the arches we mentioned earlier. Despite being a collection of distinct and separate structures, they are bound together, both architecturally and visually, by an often stunning façade that takes the individual elements and combines them into a unified structure.

Can Saura and Can Squella

Two wonderful examples of this are Can Saura, a stately home whose construction spanned the end of the 17th century and the beginning of the 18th century, and Can Squella, which was completed in 1849.

Around Placa des Born

Another location for the “Palace Hunter” to explore is the Placa des Born. Apart from the shops, bars and interesting buildings, you’ll notice an obelisk in the centre of the square. This commemorates a dark period in the island’s history, when the Turks invaded the city in July 1558, slaughtering all the men and carrying the women and children into slavery.

The square also houses several palaces of which the most impressive must be the 19th century Palau de Torre Saura is the most grand (and is open to the public). Also look out for the Palace of Salort (check out the terrace for a great view of the harbour) and the Palace Vivo. Both extremely impressive buildings and worth a photo shoot.

Also on the Placad’es Born you’ll find the Case Comte which, in the 19th century, was the home of the Count of Torre Saura. Look for a lady’s face in the main entrance. Her eyes will be covered by a veil and, according to local tradition, this means that the house is open to all.

Ciutadella’s palaces will take you back into this city’s glorious past – and we’re sure that you’ll enjoy every moment of your visit. If you love to walk through cities and view the different centuries stacked up next to each other on historic streets, then a visit to Ciutadella is well worth a day trip from our villas in Cala Galdana.

Author Plate

Brenda Jaaback, Managing Director of Bartle Holidays, is a renowned Menorca expert who personally selects the finest properties for her clients. From its history to its people and from its wildlife to its cuisine, no secret of the island remains hidden to her. For anyone looking for information on historical attractions like the Ciutadella palaces, Brenda is the go-to person. Bartle Holidays makes no warranty as to the accuracy of information contained in this article and excludes any liability of any kind for the information.