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Ciutadella Holidays
Ciutadella, a mixture of medieval charm with splendid 18th Century chapels |
Ciutadella, a mixture of medieval charm with splendid 18th Century chapels
Tourist information about Ciutadella in Spain. Travel to Ciutadella and let Spain-Holiday.com guide and accommodate you |
The past can still be felt in Ciutadella as each episode of its history has been written in its streets. The city was conquered by the vandals and later belonged to the Byzantine Empire. The Muslims began to devastate it in the 7th century although the occupation was not completed until the beginnings of the 10th century. During the Muslim dominion the Medina Minurka turned its name to Ciutadella, which became the old capital of the island until 1722, when Richard Kane moved the courts of justice and the government offices to Maó. The French dominion brought an important stream of culture, which opened out to the latest ideas from Europe. The Spanish rule, which followed the second British dominion, will allow the city to accomplish an old wish: re- establish its own bishopric.
Its urban centre is a small fortified city; the presence of the Muslims is shown by the maze of narrow streets, which depart from the Born Square (Plaça dés Born) within the walls of the Moresque city. An obelisk built in the middle of the past century, which commemorates the Turk assault in 1558 and the sacrifice of its inhabitants, slaughtered or turned into slaves, over looks the wide and seigniorial square. We also find the Town Hall, a palace emblem of power, the Born Theatre (Teatre des Born) and the noble Palaces of Salort, Vivó and Torre Saura, neoclassic properties of the nobility, which is still in force in todays society.
From the Plaça del Born the streets stretch out running across the city centre, taking us before the impressive 14th century Cathedral built on an ancient Arab mosque. It is here where architectonical surprises begin to spring up, such as the Roser Church (Església del Roser) or Saura Palace (Palau Saura), both transformed into exhibition halls. After admiring so much beauty, one can walk through Ses Voltes, its characteristic porches, a site to stroll peacefully and visit the local shops. A bronze statue of a lamb will call upon ones attention while walking along; an allusion to the Sant Joan festivities.
During the 23rd and 24th of June Ciutadella is an outburst of joy as it celebrates one of the most spectacular festivities in the country in its Patron Saints honour. It is a festivitywhere the horse becomes the star of the film, performing traditional equestrian games, following a ritual established in the Middle Age. It is an expression of happiness coming from a town, which welcomes the visitor to their homes and hearts.
Ciutadella, as an episcopate see, continues to show its character in the Santa Clara Convent, the beautiful Sant Crist Church (Església del Sant Crist), as well as the Seminar together with its Diocesà Museum and its unique cloister.
The city has an offer for those in search of relax, among any of the terraces within the many squares, or for those wishing to discover the handicraft shops. A special worthwhile mention goes for Ciuadellas Port, a magical site where one can taste its typical seafood gastronomy or enjoy its nightlife in any of the terraces at Sant Joan Square (Pla de Sant Joan) with views to the sea
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See a map over Ciutadella
