Historic Center of Mahón

Historic Centre of Mahón

Walking to town along the Camí des Castell all along this way, you will see the tower of the christian church of El Carmen. Once you arrive to the church you will see how massive the monument is. The Church itself and the cloister, baroque style, were started in 1726, by the carmelite order. Both, church and cloister (today converted in a indoor market), worth seing inside.

Now you can walk crossing the Plaza España, with an interesting building on the right side which is the fish market, and turn right upwards through Calle Portal de Mar until you reach Plaza Constitución. And here the building on the right is the the Church of Santa María, built in the 18^th. Cent. over the foundations of a gothic church of the 13^th. Cent. The interior is gothic style and boasts a magnificent organ, which can be heard in mini-concerts at 11 am in the summer season mornings. Lord Collingwood arranged the transportartion and protection of the organ during the napoleonic wars.

In the same square is located the Town Hall Building. Erected in 1619 and renovated in 1789 by Fernandez Angulo. Two notable features in the interior are the Noble Hall, and the Gallery of Illustrious Minorcans. The Clock at the top is English. A gift from the first british Lieutenant-Governor, Sir Richard Kane. In the entrance hall there are two inscripted stones. One of them, is the british coat-of-arms removed from Fort St. Philip when it was destroyed.

Just opposite, you will find a red painted building designated by the british to the Brigade of Guards, in the 18^th. Cent.

This area and the backwards Plaza Conquista is where the old fortified village was built in ancient times. Pont d'es Castell affords another fine view of the harbour.