Ciutadella de Menorca is home to some of Spain's most beautiful churches and cathedrals. Check out some of the most notable ones in this article.
Menorca is a charming island known for its lush nature, turquoise beaches and tranquil atmosphere. Although Menorca is mainly a summer retreat, many Europeans enjoy Menorca all year round. British, French, German and Scandinavian second homeowners and off-season vagabonds are looking for something.
In Menorca, temperatures never drop below 12°C. The beautifully flat island is ideal for long walks, cycling, trail running and enjoying great Menorcan dishes. In addition, Menorca sights - cathedrals and churches - can be admired from January to December.
Menorca sights - architectural rivals to Menorca's natural charms
The majority of Menorca sights are located in Ciutadella de Menorca. This port city is super famous for a morning cup of coffee or seafood dinner but is most famous for its old town, which is filled with Menorca sights. Plaça des Born (beautiful bohemian square in the centre of Ciutadella de Menorca), Santa Maria from Ciutadella Cathedral, Anglican Church, and Evangelical Church-Iglesia Evangelica de Menorca- are just some of them.
Ciutadella de Menorca - a medieval fantasy figure
Ciutadella de Menorca is a small town, but it takes up a quarter of the entire island because it is so tiny. As well as the promenade along the harbour, which is lined with restaurants, cafés and shops, Ciutadella de Menorca is best known for its old town centre. The Gothic-style City Hall and the dizzying cathedral will take your breath away.
In summer, Ciutadella is usually full of tourists visiting one of the famous beaches - Cala Tarqueta, Cala Es Talaier, Playas de Algaiarens or Cala Pilar. Then, in the evening, when the town centre comes alive - everyone is looking for an excellent fresh seafood dish or a drop of aromatic Spanish wine.
Out of season, however, Ciutadella de Menorca offers an entirely different experience. A relaxed atmosphere - created by locals and regulars - contrasts the exciting summer pace set by first-time tourists. While the main plazas are more open, smaller markets like Placa Ses Palmeres always seem to settle down. Especially on Sundays, the needs are a lively meeting place for cheerful locals enjoying the sun and friendly conversation after visiting the Catedral de Santa Maria de Ciutadella.
Churches in Menorca - divine beauty for believers and atheists alike
Ciutadella Cathedral
Architecturally, Ciutadella Cathedral is a magnificent peace built in the 14th century. It is the most famous Catholic church in Ciutadella de Menorca - for believers and atheists. The latter are attracted to this masterpiece mainly because of its exciting mix of Gothic and Neoclassical styles.
The altar is magnificent, and the 15-foot-high dome gives the cathedral an airiness and lightness that draws you in. The space is filled with ethereal light - created by narrow but very tall windows decorated with stained glass. No wonder the Catedral de Santa Maria de Ciutadella is known as the Cathedral of Light.
Mass times in the Ciutadella Cathedral
Saturdays: 09:00 - 19:00
Sundays and Public Holidays: 09:00 - 10:00 & 12:00 - 19:00
Daily: Mondays to Fridays, at 09:00
Anglican Church and Evangelic Church in Menorca
At the very other ends of the island are the following two churches you must visit. In Es Castell, the Santa Margarita -the only Anglican Church in Menorca and Iglesia Evangelica de Menorca, located in Mao.
Santa Margarita is a small, classic church with an intimate setting and is very popular for wedding blessings and baptisms. Iglesia Del Carmen is located in the heart of Mao, the capital of Menorca. Unlike the Anglican church, this one is pompous, large and majestic. It is built in the Neo-Classical style, with the design of a Latin cross and following the Carmelites' traditions regarding austere ornamentation. If you are interested in churches, you should visit La Esglesia de Santa Maria. The vast golden church is located just a short walk away. The church of Santa Maria was built between 1748 and 1771. The interior is Neo-Gothic, but the most exciting part is several chapels in its belly. Each chapel is dedicated to a particular saint.
Museums and cultural attractions in Menorca
Considering that Menorca is a tiny island, it has a lot to offer. In addition to beaches and beautiful churches, it also boasts excellent museums. Military Museum and Isla del Rey are the most famous ones. Moreover, you will be doing something good if you visit the latter.
The locals are trying to restore Isla, del Rey. The island served various purposes in the past but eventually lost its pride and glory. So the locals came up with a brilliant idea. To anyone willing to pay a token price, volunteers offer a catamaran ride to Isla del Rey, give them a tour, and offer them some snacks at the end. Interested? Look out for a yellow catamaran, and you'll be in good hands. Military Museum in Es Castell has an extraordinary amount to offer, so clear your schedule for the day when you visit because you'll be spending some time there. This 3-story building from the 18th century is packed with history.
Does Menorca have more attractions than hundreds of beaches and coves?
Without a doubt, Menorca's greatest treasures are its beaches and calas. Hundreds upon hundreds of yacht owners who circumnavigate this island yearly can attest to this. But the coastline is not the only treasure of this Balearic jewel. Church bells give Menorca its melody, along with 300 different species of birds. Besides particular historical sites such as ancient ruins (Torre d'en Galmes are the best), exciting museums play a crucial role in Menorca tourism.
There's no need to wait for summer, as Menorca is alive all year round. Go to the fair with the locals, join them for a glass of wine and a plate of local olives, visit the Mahon market for fresh fish and live like a Menorcan for a week or a month. After a few evening walks, nightly fiestas and quiet morning coffees in the port of Ciutadella, you'll never want to leave. And that's when you'll understand why so many Brits, French, Germans and Scandinavians choose this second home.
Trust us. We know them. Because if you live on an island for a few months every year, you'll want to rent a car. And we'll be happy to get you the one you want.
