Ciutadella to Mahón, Menorca
Shortly before sunrise our ship anchored offshore from the town of Ciutadella on the western tip of the island of Menorca. We loaded into Zodiacs and sailed into the narrow harbor, fringed by limestone cliffs and whitewashed homes. Landing ashore we were greeted by local guides who lead us into the old part of the town residing at the head of the harbor. We explored the narrow streets, past old wooden doors and newer sidewalk cafes of this peaceful town. From Ciutadella we boarded motor coaches to travel inland across the island. Colonial streets quickly gave way to tilled farmland with intersecting pale lines of old stone walls. Along the road we took a brief detour to drive to the highest point of the island, the Monte Toro, where an old Augustine monastery sits high above the surrounding countryside. Caper plants sprouted from its ancient walls, amid the many visitors who venture here for the expansive views of the island.
We moved onward to visit Torralba d’ en Salord, a prehistoric site where we could see up close the stone structures known as talayots and taula. The taula is a large T-shaped shrine constructed of two massive stones, one atop of the other. The talayot is the most significant building of Menorcan prehistory, and shares its name with the culture that covers a period starting in the 15th century BC, until about 800 BC. As we continued eastward toward Mahón, the guide pointed out other large talayots dotting the Menorcan landscape.
Mahón is a busy commercial port, and now the capital of the island. Through the later centuries, Mahón was alternately occupied by the Spanish and the British, and both their influences can be found here. Our ship had repositioned from Ciutadella this morning, docking at a pier along the waterfront. Lunch was served aboard the ship, though some people chose to sample the local cuisine in this bustling seaside town. In the afternoon there was time to venture back ashore and wander the streets of the old town that was built atop a high cliff overlooking the harbor. Colorful decorations were strung above many of the streets in anticipation of a grand festival that will take place tonight. They would have to celebrate without us, as we joined our ship again before heading out of this magnificent natural harbor. It was a beautiful, sunny, late afternoon as we departed the three mile long, deep-water harbor. Robyn Woodward provided commentary, pointing out the many important old buildings that have been built along the shores of this lovely, and strategically important locale. Large fortresses, and a more humble ancient Catalan watch tower were the final traces of Menorca’s fascinating past to be seen as we headed back out into the Mediterranean Sea. As Menorca faded astern, Karen Copeland presented us with an introduction to the geology of the Mediterranean as we made our way eastward towards the island of Sardinia.
Shortly before sunrise our ship anchored offshore from the town of Ciutadella on the western tip of the island of Menorca. We loaded into Zodiacs and sailed into the narrow harbor, fringed by limestone cliffs and whitewashed homes. Landing ashore we were greeted by local guides who lead us into the old part of the town residing at the head of the harbor. We explored the narrow streets, past old wooden doors and newer sidewalk cafes of this peaceful town. From Ciutadella we boarded motor coaches to travel inland across the island. Colonial streets quickly gave way to tilled farmland with intersecting pale lines of old stone walls. Along the road we took a brief detour to drive to the highest point of the island, the Monte Toro, where an old Augustine monastery sits high above the surrounding countryside. Caper plants sprouted from its ancient walls, amid the many visitors who venture here for the expansive views of the island.
We moved onward to visit Torralba d’ en Salord, a prehistoric site where we could see up close the stone structures known as talayots and taula. The taula is a large T-shaped shrine constructed of two massive stones, one atop of the other. The talayot is the most significant building of Menorcan prehistory, and shares its name with the culture that covers a period starting in the 15th century BC, until about 800 BC. As we continued eastward toward Mahón, the guide pointed out other large talayots dotting the Menorcan landscape.
Mahón is a busy commercial port, and now the capital of the island. Through the later centuries, Mahón was alternately occupied by the Spanish and the British, and both their influences can be found here. Our ship had repositioned from Ciutadella this morning, docking at a pier along the waterfront. Lunch was served aboard the ship, though some people chose to sample the local cuisine in this bustling seaside town. In the afternoon there was time to venture back ashore and wander the streets of the old town that was built atop a high cliff overlooking the harbor. Colorful decorations were strung above many of the streets in anticipation of a grand festival that will take place tonight. They would have to celebrate without us, as we joined our ship again before heading out of this magnificent natural harbor. It was a beautiful, sunny, late afternoon as we departed the three mile long, deep-water harbor. Robyn Woodward provided commentary, pointing out the many important old buildings that have been built along the shores of this lovely, and strategically important locale. Large fortresses, and a more humble ancient Catalan watch tower were the final traces of Menorca’s fascinating past to be seen as we headed back out into the Mediterranean Sea. As Menorca faded astern, Karen Copeland presented us with an introduction to the geology of the Mediterranean as we made our way eastward towards the island of Sardinia.
