This is a landmark architectural complex at the heart of the old town of Ciudadela, giving it huge potential as a focus of considerable cultural interest. The Church of St Mary, consecrated as a cathedral in 1795, was built on the orders of King Alfonso III after the conquest of Minorca (1287). It belongs to the Catalan Gothic style with a single 14.5-metre-wide nave, covered by a cross-ribbed vault in six sections, 23 m in height. The chapels are separated by three-lobed pilasters topped by capitals decorated with floral motifs. The Cathedral was severely pillaged on two occasions, the first being the Turkish assault of 1558, and this second during the Spanish Civil War. From the late 16th century onwards it underwent considerable refurbishment over the centuries. The Neoclassical gateway on the main facade, for example, conceals a particularly significant older Gothic gateway. A comprehensive restoration process began in 1986, both outside and within, giving the cathedral a new appearance and highlighting its spaciousness while giving natural light pride of place. The restored choir seating reinstated the seats and episcopal throne belonging to the former choir dating from the 18th century. Particular mention should be made of the Chapel of Souls, dating from the late 17th century, in the Baroque style, the Neoclassical Chapel of the Holy Virgin, from the 19th century, and the Chapel of the Most Holy, built at the end of the same century. The bell tower reveals at the base the former minaret of the main mosque of the Moslem Medina. In summer the Cathedral hosts organ concerts which make a visit all the more worthwhile. The organ, built in 1993 by Gabriel Blancafort i París, is positioned above the Clock Gateway (Gateway of Light). The Cathedral Museum likewise provides an insight into its treasures (liturgical vestments, works in precious metals, wood carvings, paintings and other exhibits of particular interest)

Near the palace of the second branch of the Saura, is the church of Sant Crist, a small chapel dating back to 1662, when the guild of carding (wool artisans) of Ciutadella de Menorca agreed to buy an old house and restore it to the image of his patron, Sant Crist dels Paraires. Following the patterns of religious architecture of the time, the architect Pere Sureda built the chapel for four years and, today, is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture are preserved Minorcan. The temple, with a single nave interior rectangular cover laps, trapezoidal apse and walls decorated with frescoes of the time, also has a central dome. In 2006 the image of Sant Crist Paraires dels, carved in the seventeenth century by an anonymous artist, was restored, allowing recovery of blood drops painted sculpture.

The most important gorge on the island is the one at Algendar. It starts near Ferreries, alongside the main road between Maó and Ciutadella, at the so-called Mount Santa Magdalena or d’Ugell, and it runs out into the sea at Galdana beach. It is seven kilometres long, making it half the island’s average width, which is 13.5 km. The gorge’s steepest walls are as tall as 80 metres at some points, although they are on average 50 metres high. The gorge was dug by the force of water in the stream that runs through it, this stream is unique on Minorca as it carries considerable water throughout the year, even in dry years. The stream drains an extensive area of land from the Pla Verd to the Santa Águeda hill, and also receives water from the underground streams lined to the Migjorn aquifer, which rise up to the surface at the lowest parts of the gorge. Spectacular evidence of this can been seen at the gorge’s outlet, at the eucaliptos fountain, where leaking aquiferous water permanently flood the gorge’s surroundings. This constant source of water in the steam means that river bank vegetation thrives, plant life that is rarely seen in Minorca. Towards the mouth of the outlet, the stream is clearly influenced by the sea. Hydrophilous vegetation such as rushes and ditch reeds, which are better adapted to salt water, dominates. Aqua flora and fauna includes watercress and boga as well as canes, elm trees and laurel trees. We can find pampalonia in shaded areas of the gorge, an endemic specimen present Minorca and Majorca, with spectacular flowers. The Barranc d’Algendar, as is the case with every other gorge, is used as a hunting area by birds of prey like the kestrel, the goshawk, the sparrow hawk, the barn owl and the peregrine falcon. Turtles are present where there is fresh water, as are frogs; the only fish that inhabit the stream are eels and gambusias. There are two caves in the gorge walls, where evidence of human activity found dates back to the Talayotic age; one is Cova Murada, which was been known about for many years, and the other is Cova del Càrritx, discovered recently (1995). The discovery of Cova del Càrritx was of considerable importance for archaeologists; it had been closed off since a rock avalanche in Roman times at the very latest. When discovered, archaeological objects and human remains, bones and hair, were found intact, as well as other evidence of human activity. From Caritas Menorca we would like to extend to all the population the possibility of knowing our project closely, located in a special place like the Algendar ravine, specifically in the farms of Es Canaló and S’Aranjassa. There, in addition to the production nursery and genetic bank of fruit trees of local varieties of Menorca, you can find the source system, canals and cistern of S'Aranjassa, dating from the Andalusian period, which Càritas has recently recovered. We offer, therefore, the possibility of arranging guided tours. For a duration of 90-120 minutes and a price of 3 € / pers (with a minimum of 40 € the visit), they start in front of the houses of Es Canaló and go down to the estate of S'Aranjassa. We would be delighted to welcome you. Visits can be arranged at 971386279 (Gemma). Més informació/Más informaición/Information: https://www.arbresalgendar.com/ca/index.php https://www.caritasmenorca.org/proyecto/casa-rural-saranjassa/

Located on the cape of the same name, the lighthouse of Favoritx is one of the most visited on the island both for its distinctive white tower whose silhouette highlights a black spiral band and for its rugged natural environment. Surrounded by imposing slate cliffs in a privileged setting, it is worth approaching this end of Menorca to recognize the uniqueness of this lighthouse in front of the rest of those who have the island. Built in 1922 with rock from the nearby quarry that allowed its construction, the orography surrounding Fav'ritx provides exceptional panoramas in sunny days, but also during rainy days, so you do not have to rely on the weather to visit it. The road that leads to Faherex also allows you to discover the Lake Cós des Síndic, whose perimeter is fenced to preserve its conservation. It is a natural raft of high ecological importance and a great beauty that is only formed in case of strong storms or rainwater, so the panorama is not always the same. Because of its proximity to the sea, the landscape provides that contrast of set that does not occur in any other lighthouse on the island. The Lighthouse of Fafaritx can be reached both on foot on a nice and long walk, as well as by car or bike. It is also possible to reach it by deviating slightly from the Cavalls camí, which also runs parallel to this stretch of coast. Next to the lighthouse and following the so-called vell de Faherex camí you can flow into the beautiful coves Presili and Tortuga cove, two must-see beaches in Menorca.

A small island with a big lighthouse, situated at the entrance to Maó harbour. Height above sea level 53 m.

Nice quiet beach with restaurant. parking very near by.

This is the newest village of Menorca and its neighbours have always been immensely proud and dedicated, but until 1989 it was part of Es Mercadal. Here in the narrow streets there is a gentle rhythm to life and a tradition of extraordinary longevity – amongst others who topped the hundred years, Joan Riudavets was born in this village and died in 2004 at 114 years old. The famous folklore figure Francesc d’Albranca was a local, and the village library contains a magnificent collection of Menorcan folklore. To meander through the streets and surrounding country lanes is pure delight, but there are also lovely beaches close by: San Adeodato, Santo Tomás and Binigaus.

It is opposite the main door of the Cathedral of Menorca, which is why people know him as davant l'Església . Old palace Olives, originated in the seventeenth century. Its current configuration dates from the seventeenth century. The facade is austere and classic lines, divided into three sections. The bodies are delimited by pilasters supporting a cornice formwork decorated with ornaments and the central body is topped with a triangular pediment. This palace belonged to the main branch of the family of Olives. The dependencies of the main floor extend around the grand staircase, large rooms eighteenth century atmosphere. Today the house is inhabited by the owners who have always been keen to preserve. The facade has been restored and painted in recent years.

The island of Menorca is an open-air museum where the stones speak of a mysterious past. One of the most impressive Talayotic sites is that of Torralba d¿en Salord. Its taula precinct is spectacular. The scholars Peter Hochsieder and Doris Knösel have described Talayotic monuments as ¿masterpieces of power in equilibrium; they are architecture and sculpture at the same time, they are thoughts converted into stone¿. A visit to the Talayotic settlement of Torralba is a true example of this. The site is located halfway between Maó and Alaior. It was inhabited from the Prehistoric Period up to the Middle Ages, and conserves a spectacular hypostile chamber, fragments of walls, caves, a Talayotic dwelling, a large talayot (prehistoric tower), and remains of another smaller one. But the most spectacular feature is its taula precinct, 4.30 metres high and surrounded by lateral pilasters, a common feature in this type of monument. The taula consists of a large horizontal stone supported on top of a vertical one. It has the shape of a table, hence its name (¿taula¿ means ¿table¿ in Catalan). However, it also looks like an enormous T, which has become a symbol impossible to decipher. Monument exclusive to Menorca The taula is a construction which is exclusive to Menorca, more elegant and developed that the other prehistoric monuments discovered. It continues to be a mystery as to why there are no examples on Mallorca, in spite of it belonging to the same Talayotic culture. These were apparently used as sanctuaries which, at that time, were built in enclaves where a divinity revealed its presence. They were places used for worship, where sacrifices and offerings were offered to the image of the god, and where fires burnt permanently. The place was full of food, statuettes of divinities or votive offerings. The bronze figure of a bull, which has been dated from the 3rd Century BC, appeared in the surroundings of the taula de Torralba and apparently was placed on top of a pedestal base as an object of worship. Another find was a clay perfume burner made in the shape of a goddess¿ head. Nobody knows what these taulas signify, but all coincide in the powerful impact they achieve through simplicity. You can get to the Talayotic settlement of Torralba from Maó, turning off the main road after seven kilometres; and from Alaior, along a road which leaves the centre of the locality.

The Trepucó settlement is one of Minorca's finest megalithic archaeological sites, thanks to its gigantic talayot and well-preserved taula. The talayotic settlement in Trepucó, which was excavated by English archaeologist Margaret Murray in 1931 and declared a Historical-Artistic Monument that same year, is located approximately two kilometres from Mahon on the road to Sant Lluís. This approximately 5000-square-metre talayotic was originally surrounded by a wall, of which only several sections and two square defence towers in the western wall have survived. Archaeological findings have revealed that there were at least seven talayots originally, of which two have survived. The central talayot, a solid structure with a small window in the upper section, is one of Minorca's largest. The star-shaped building near the talayot was erected in the eighteenth century by the French army during their attempts to wrest Mahon from the English. Attached to the wall is a second, smaller talayot in a well-preserved condition. To the left of the settlement is a magnificent taula, a prehistoric monument for worship, which was reconstructed in the early 1970s. The section in the rear was reinforced to prevent it from collapsing. Visits to the Trepucó settlement are free of charge.