INTRODUCTION
The inclusion of Menorca under British sovereignty made a deep and lasting impression on the island, leaving a wealth of indelible cultural signs such as the numerous English words that blended into the Menorcan language, architectural styles still in evidence today, culinary dishes, children's games, dances and so on. The “boinders” or bow windows and the typical sash windows can still be seen on many houses in Menorca. The British also brought their own period style furniture, including Queen Anne, Chippendale and some Sheraton pieces, all of which were later copied by local cabinet-makers. Menorca gin, made by artisans in Maó by distilling juniper berries and wine vinegar, was first introduced by the British, who also imported their distinctive culinary preferences. Traditional puddings became known as “greixera dolça” and “brou de xenc” can trace its origins back to English beef stock. Gravy was known locally as “grevi” and “manteca inglesa” or English butter features in many Menorca recipes, and the delicious “piquéis” are pickled gherkins and capers. Children still play “mérvels” – marbles – and tell “joques” – jokes – and chase each other shouting “fáitim” – “fight him”.
CHAPTER 2 TOWERS AND DEFENCES
SANT FELIP CASTLE
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SANT FELIP CASTLE OPEN TO VISITORS Owned by: Ministry of Defence Managed by: Consorcio del Museo Militar de Menorca y Patrimonio (Consortium of the Military Museum of Menorca and Historic Military Heritage) Telephone: 971 362 100 Website: www.museomilitarmenorca.com Location: Carretera Sant Felip s/n Town: Es Castell
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39º51’57,44’’ N 4º18’19,61’’ E 4
SANT FELIP CASTLE
Sant Felip Castle stands on the southern side of the entrance to Ma贸 harbour and was built in the mid-16th century in a layout designed by Italian engineer Giovanni Battista Calvi. Over the course of successive British occupations the castle was extended until the Spanish siege in 1782 forced the British to surrender and Spain recovered sovereignty over the island under the Treaty of Amiens. The castle was then demolished on the orders of King Carlos III. Remains of the castle still survive on the surface, but the most impressive sights are to be found underneath the site, where several levels of underground passageways were dug by the Spanish and British over the course of various occupations. 5
SANT FELIP CASTLE
For Menorca, the castle is more than an old fortress, it bears witness to nearly two and a half centuries of turbulent history. Visitors can get a really good idea of the scale of human endeavour undertaken in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries to produce this extensive labyrinth of underground galleries, where three thousand English soldiers and civilians took refuge for six months during the Spanish conquest of 1782. Its location on the southern side of the entrance to Ma贸 harbour gives Sant Felip Castle a commanding position over this wide bay, which was a strategic link in Spanish communications with Italy in the 16th and 17th centuries, and later a British naval stronghold supporting Gibraltar. 6
SANT FELIP CASTLE
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FORT MARLBOROUGH
PHOTO: CISCO MOLL 8
FORT MARLBOROUGH OPEN TO VISITORS Owned by: Consell Insular de Menorca (Government of Menorca) Managed by: Fundació Destí Menorca Telephone: 902 92 90 15 Website: www.menorca.es Location: Cove Cala de Sant Esteve Town: Es Castell
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39º51’47,69’’ N 4º18’05,67’’ E 9
FORT MARLBOROUGH
The fort stands on the southern side of the entrance to Ma贸 harbour, in the cove Cala de Sant Esteve, and was built by the British between 1720 and 1726. It owes its name to Sir John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, the most outstanding British General of the time. Together with Sant Felip Castle and the Stuart Tower, or En Penjat Tower, its role was to protect the entrance to the port of Ma贸. In 1782 the fort was partially destroyed by the Spanish and had to be rebuilt, with a few modifications, during the last period of British rule (1798-1802). It is a small fort, with a heptagonal central enclosure that was once equipped with several artillery guns for defending against possible enemy attack. The fort was built over a large pit with a counterscarp gallery excavated out of the bedrock. The upper level provides exceptional views over the historic area of Ma贸 harbour, undoubtedly one of the most coveted in the western Mediterranean by foreign powers. 10
FORT MARLBOROUGH
Nowadays, the fort houses an exhibition that uses the latest technology to take visitors back to the time when Fort Marlborough was under siege and to describe the history of both Menorca and Europe throughout the upheavals of the 18th century.
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FORT MARLBOROUGH
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FORNELLS TOWER
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FORNELLS TOWER OPEN TO VISITORS Owned by: Consell Insular de Menorca (Government of Menorca) Managed by: Fundació Destí Menorca Telephone: 902 92 90 15 Website: www.menorca.es Location: Punta of Fornells Tower (headland) Town: Fornells
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40º03’41,59’’ N 4º07’50,06’’ E 14
FORNELLS TOWER
A coastal defence tower built by the British in the early 19th century to guard the entrance to Fornells harbour, prevent the enemy coming ashore and protect the nearby Sant Antoni Castle, which has now been restored. Watchtowers controlled the local area and were usually occupied by a small garrison of men ready to repel a potential enemy invasion. The truncated cone-shaped tower is one of the largest of its kind on the island and was built from stone and mortar, while the outer walls are reinforced with blocks of sandstone. The original entrance door was on the first floor and was reached by a wooden ladder that could be pulled up in the event of an attack. The tower has a water tank, storage for weapons, ammunitions and food, a floor that housed the garrison and an artillery platform. 15
FORNELLS TOWER
The tower itself was built during the last period of British rule and bears witness to one of the island’s numerous confrontations with the outside world. The exhibition is simple and thorough, putting visitors in an early 19th century context and describing everyday life in the tower as well as its architectural and defensive features.
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FORNELLS
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ILLA DEL REI (THE KING'S ISLAND)
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ISLA DEL REY (THE KING'S ISLAND) OPEN TO VISITORS Owned by: Maó City Council Managed by: Maó City Council and Illa del Rei Foundation Telephone: 609 161 662 Location: Maó Harbour Town: Maó
39º53’09,05’’ N 4º17’15,57’’ E 19
ISLA DEL REY
The island, also known as The Bloody Island, is in the centre of the harbour, between Maó and Es Castell. Its name comes from the legend that Alfonso II of Catalonia and III of Aragón – known as “The Liberal” – came ashore here for the first time when he took Menorca from the Muslims in 1287. The island has two very interesting architectural sites: the remains of the Early Christian era basilica, which once contained a mosaic now preserved in the Museum of Menorca, and the old military hospital. Built by the British, the old military hospital was based here from the 18th century up until the 1960s. It occupies a large part of the island and stands on its highest point. It is a U-shaped building that faces east. It was abandoned in 1964 when the new military hospital was built in the city of Maó. In those days, the hospital had 40 patient wards, various rooms for doctors, nurses and other hospital staff plus all the services required for running a hospital, including laundry, pharmacy and kitchens, as well as three water tanks and bathing facilities. In 1784, the Spanish built a chapel dedicated to San Carlos. 20
ISLA DEL REY
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ES CASTELLAR TOWER
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ES CASTELLAR TOWER TOUR OF THE OUTSIDE Owned and managed by: Ciutadella Town Council Telephone: 971 381 050 Website: www.ajciutadella.org Location: Residential area Sa Caleta Town: Ciutadella
39º58’50,11’’ N 3º49’54,32’’ E 23
ES CASTELLAR TOWER
Built by the British in 1799, it is known as Es Castellar de Sa Caleta. It is the most distinctive of all the British-style watchtowers, as it has a series of defensive features not found in the others. Built from masonry mortar and entirely covered with sandstone blocks, its shape is almost cylindrical. The tower is completely surrounded by a ditch some 6 metres wide and an embankment of loose stones. It stands 8 metres high and the parapet of the terrace juts out from the wall all the way round. Unlike other towers, it is entered via an underground passageway in the lower part of the surrounding ditch, so it does not need protection. The whole ditch could be guarded from the narrow openings or loopholes set into the wall.
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ES CASTELLAR TOWER
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LA MOLA TOWER
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LA MOLA TOWER TOUR OF THE OUTSIDE Owned and managed by: Consorcio del Museo Militar de Menorca y Patrimonio Histórico Militar Telephone: 971 362 100 Website: www.museomilitarmenorca.com Location: Cove Cala Teulera. Carretera La Mola Town: Maó
39º52’27,84’’ N 4º18’27,53’’ E 27
LA MOLA TOWER
Recently restored, La Mola Tower was built by the British in 1799 and was at first known as Saint Claire’s Tower. The tower is built from stone and mortar and the outside is covered with limestone blocks. It structure is similar to the island’s smaller towers. In 1801 the towers of Es Freus and Cala Teulera were armed and it was deemed necessary to have a communicating wall built between them. Militarily speaking, they would have been used for fending off an attack on La Mola and they would have also countered any attack launched on the access route to Illa del Llatzeret (Llatzeret Island). The current layout of the tower has the entrance on the lower level, but this is not the original access route and was added at a later stage.
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EN PENJAT TOWER
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EN PENJAT TOWER NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Owned and managed by: Consorcio del Museo Militar de Menorca y Patrimonio Histórico Militar Telephone: 971 362 100 Website: www.museomilitarmenorca.com Location: Cove Cala de Sant Esteve Town: Es Castell
39º51’34,02’’ N 4º18’14,63’’ E 30
EN PENJAT TOWER
A coastal defence tower built in 1798 by orders of General Stuart, military governor of Menorca. Its purpose was to protect the entrance to Maó harbour and the immediate vicinity with artillery while Sant Felip Castle was being completed, providing backup for Fort Marlborough. It was built on the hill of El Turco or En Penjat (literally, hangman’s hill) to prevent enemy troops besieging the castle from disembarking and setting up their siege batteries in cove Cala de Sant Esteve, which was regarded as a strategic location. This enabled the three forts (En Penjat Tower, Sant Felip Castle and Fort Marlborough) to protect each other and defend Maó harbour.
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ILLA PINTO (PINTO ISLAND)
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ILLA PINTO (PINTO ISLAND) NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Location: Naval Base, Maó Harbour Town: Maó
39º53’36,72’’ N 4º16’11,60’’ E
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ILLA PINTO (PINTO ISLAND)
Illa Pinto is part of the naval base built in 1708 to serve the needs of the British navy. It is an artificial island, filled out by the British in 1798 from an islet, giving it the distinctive shape you see today. More than fifteen ships were built here between 1786 and 1798, with shipbuilding activity continuing well into the 19th century. This area had been used to clean the hulls of vessels belonging to the Dutch and British fleets since 1708, as it was one of the safest and most sheltered parts of Ma贸 harbour.
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ILLA PINTO (PINTO ISLAND)
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RAMBLA TOWER
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RAMBLA TOWER NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Location: Albufera des Grau Nature Park Town: Maó
39º57’46,26’’ N 4º15’54,52’’ E
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RAMBLA TOWER
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RAMBLA TOWER
Built by the British between 1799 and 1802, it is in a very dilapidated state but its original structure can still be seen. It once had a revolving cannon on the upper floor. Like Sanitja, the remains of a building that served as accommodation for the dragoons, or cavalry soldiers. The tower has not been restored and is potentially unsafe, so it is best not to venture too close or go inside.
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SA MESQUIDA TOWER
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SA MESQUIDA TOWER NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Location: Residential area Sa Mesquida Town: Maó
39º54’50,06’’ N 4º17’10,35’’ E
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SA MESQUIDA TOWER
Built by the British in 1799, it occupies a vantage point on top of a rocky outcrop in the middle of the inlet. Its most remarkable feature is a specially protected area for surveillance and for repelling a potential enemy attack from the shore. This protection is reinforced by a higher than normal parapet, which served as cover for the soldiers, who could fire their weapons through narrow vertical loopholes.
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SANT FELIPET TOWER
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SANT FELIPET TOWER NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Location: Illa del Llatzeret (Llatzeret Island), Maó Harbour Town: Maó
39º52’20,53’’ N 4º18’22,96’’ E
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SANT FELIPET TOWER
In the late 17th century, a small fort was built on the closest point of Illa del Llatzeret to Ma贸 Harbour. The fort, which had a square tower, was demolished in 1782 by the Spanish. In 1798, when the British returned to Menorca, they built the defence tower that still stands today. Its strategic location enables it to defend the entrance to cove Cala Teulera and Es Freus. It had three floors: the lower floor housed the gunpowder magazine, provisions and spares; the second provided living quarters for the garrison and gave access to the tower, which was connected to the terrace and the ground floor; and the third floor consisted of a circular terrace surrounded by a parapet from which shots were fired.
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CALA MOLÍ TOWER
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CALA MOLÍ TOWER TOUR OF THE OUTSIDE Location: Addaia Harbour Town: Mercadal
40º00’43,17’’ N 4º12’03,16’’ E
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CALA MOLĂ? TOWER
The tower stands between cove Cala MolĂ and Addaia. It was built by the British between 1798 and 1802 using the same technical design as the other defence towers. The tower was restored a few years ago, and restoration work included doing away with the outside observation area that protected the original entrance door against possible attack. The tower had space for a revolving cannon, a garrison of eighteen men and a store for enough supplies, food provisions and gunpowder to last a month. The first floor was connected to the ground floor by an opening in the floor. 48
SANITJA TOWER
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SANITJA TOWER TOUR OF THE OUTSIDE Location: Sanitja Harbour Town: Mercadal
40º04’24,34’’ N 4º05’02,47’’ E
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SANITJA TOWER
Built by the British in 1800, it stands guard over the natural harbour of Sanitja. It was built of stone and mortar, with vertical sandstone bracings, like most of Menorca’s defence towers. This tower is smaller than the one at Fornells. Unlike the other towers, it has three separate areas on the ground floor but there is no connection via a stairway with the first floor, only an opening. The materials used to build the tower have been eroded away by the elements and the structure is now very dilapidated and in a state of partial collapse, so it is unwise to get too close or venture inside. 51
SES SARGANTANES ISLAND TOWER
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SES SARGANTANES ISLAND TOWER NOT OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Location: Ses Sargantanes Island, Fornells Harbour Town: Mercadal
40º02’51,71’’ N 4º08’11,31’’ E
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SES SARGANTANES ISLAND TOWER
Built between 1801 and 1802 by the British as part of a defence plan for harbours on the north coast. It consists of a round cone-shaped tower and a bastion. The tower was built using the same techniques as the other towers. However, the area where the four cannons were placed was at ground level; the interior follows a different design and two wings have been added to the tower. On the other side of the island is an old building that was once the officers' mess, with two water tanks next to it and a channel system for collecting rainwater.
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SES SARGANTANES ISLAND TOWER
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CHAPTER 3 COLONIAL ARCHITECTURE
SON BONAVENTURA FARMLAND
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SON BONAVENTURA FARMLAND TOUR OF THE OUTSIDE Owned by: Private Location: Camí d'en Kane Town: Alaior
39º56’24,16’’ N 4º08’50,38’’ E
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SON BONAVENTURA FARMLAND
Son Bonaventura, popularly known as S'Albercoc, is on Camí d'en Kane, near Camí de Loreto and its namesake quarry. The facade is a fine example of Neo-Palladian architecture. A symmetrical stairway gives access to Son Bonaventura house, with its three well-defined and symmetrical sections. The residence was owned by historian Janet Sloss, who founded The Buenaventura Press in 1995. She promoted the study of 18th century foreign invasions of Menorca and published a number of works on the island’s history, culture and gastronomy. 59
SANT ANTONI FARMLAND
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SANT ANTONI FARMLAND OPEN TO VISITORS Owned and managed by: Private Telephone: 971 361 227 / 610 443 276 Website: www.sanantoniomenorca.com Location: Sant Antoni farmland. Carretera de La Mola, km 3 Town: Maó
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39º53’46,76’’ N 4º17’05,55’’ E 61
SANT ANTONI FARMLAND
Sant Antoni is in the northern part of Maó harbour known as “S'Altra Banda” (the other side). Legend has it that Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton conducted their love affair here in 1800. For this reason, the residence is also known as The Golden Farm or Nelson’s House. 62
SANT ANTONI FARMLAND
The classic appearance of the facade and its red walls have made the house an unmistakable architectural feature in the harbour area and it is often pointed out as an example of Menorca colonial architecture. The tower on top of the house was used to look out for ships approaching the harbour and gave enough time to go down and get the rope ready to moor the vessel at the dock.
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SANT ANTONI FARMLAND
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MEDICAL UNIT BUILDING
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MEDICAL UNIT BUILDING OPEN TO VISITORS Location: Sant Jordi Street (Municipal Health Centre Building) Town: Es Castell
39º52’48,46’’ N 4º17’26,87’’ E
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MEDICAL UNIT BUILDING
This large 18th century building was used for storing provisions. The lower rectangular section is topped by a barrel vaulted ceiling, and the upper section has a sloping wooden beamed roof supported by horses. The front of the building has a gabled facade. Although it may seem a long way from the colonial town centre designed by Mackellar, the building is strategically located close to Cales Fonts harbour to make unloading and storage easier. 67
SON GRANOT
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SON GRANOT OPEN TO VISITORS Owned and managed by: Private Telephone: 971 355 555 Website: www.songranot.com Location: Carretera Es Castell - Sant Felip s/n Town: Es Castell
39º52’19,87’’ N 4º17’36,23’’ E
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SON GRANOT
A colonial style rural house that is said to have belonged to Patrick Mackellar, the architect responsible for designing the town of Es Castell. Built in 1712, its architectural style and strategic location makes it the only one of its kind on the island. It has magnificent views over the entrance to Ma贸 harbour.The estate covers an area of 75,000 m2. Nowadays, Son Granot is a charming rural hotel and restaurant, with decor harking back to the British era.
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HOTEL DEL ALMIRANTE
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HOTEL DEL ALMIRANTE OPEN TO VISITORS Owned and managed by: Private Telephone: 971 362 700 Website: www.hoteldelalmirante.com Location: Carretera Maó - Es Castell Town: Es Castell
39º53’03,31’’ N 4º16’43,12’’ E
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HOTEL DEL ALMIRANTE
Admiral Collingwood took up residence here around 1809; he made it his land base, as it was only one mile south-east of Maó and sufficiently far away from crowds and noisy sailors. It is a splendid colonial style house with views over the harbour, where his ship was anchored. The house was large and comfortable, with enough rooms to receive his captains and entertain local politicians. There was a path up to the top of the cliff and a series of specially excavated rocks led down to the inlet of El Fonduco, from where his sailors could take him on board ship with minimum effort. Today, the house is a charming private hotel that still preserves all the features and changes made during the Admiral’s time. Every week in summer the owner gives a talk about this historic figure.
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MAÓ CITY COUNCIL CLOCK
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MAÓ CITY COUNCIL CLOCK TOUR OF THE OUTSIDE Owned and managed by: Maó City Council Telephone: 971 369 800 Website: www.ajmao.org Location: Constitución Square (City Council building) Town: Maó
39º53’22,58’’ N 4º15’51,83’’ E 75
MAÓ CITY COUNCIL CLOCK
Maó’s city clock was made in London by Mr. Windonill and was acquired by order of Richard Kane in 1731. In 1788 it was placed on the front of the City Council building, framed by columns with Ionic capitals and topped by a bell tower. The clock shows the city's coat of arms in relief. It is thought to be the very first clock, other than a sun dial, in the whole of Menorca. 76
CHURCH OF LA CONCEPCIÓN
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CHURCH OF LA CONCEPCIÓN OPEN TO VISITORS Owned and managed by: Bishop of Menorca Location: Cós de Gracia Street Town: Maó
39º53’08,80’’ N 4º15’47,45’’ E
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CHURCH OF LA CONCEPCIÓN
This church, originally dedicated to Saint Nicholas of Myra, was built in 1749 by the Greek colony living in Maó during the first British occupation. It became known in the local community as the “Greeks’ church” as it was used by worshippers from the city’s large Greek colony who remained faithful to the rites of the Orthodox Church. They were attracted by increased commercial activity in and around Maó harbour, a result of efforts by the British to promote trade. The most interesting part of the building is its interior, which is unique in Menorca. The height of the roof in relation to the floor space, together with the effect of natural light on the shadowy areas created by the central pillars give the inside of the church a spatial quality, making it one of the most fascinating interiors on the island. The floor layout is in the shape of a Greek cross and it is decorated in the Byzantine style. 79
CHURCH OF LA CONCEPCIÓN
After the Greeks and Jews were expelled and their assets confiscated, including the church of Saint Nicholas of Myra, the building was used for civic purposes for some years, serving as a gym, theatre and garage. It was rededicated in 1868 to La Concepción (the Conception), when Bishop Mateo Jaume decided to open it for Catholic worship. Two towers were added to the current facade, which is thought to have been started in 1868, to align the church with the street, but only the right one was finished. 80
MILITARY HEADQUARTERS
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MILITARY HEADQUARTERS TOUR OF THE OUTSIDE Owned and managed by: Ministry of Defence Location: Isabel II Street Town: Maó
39º53’24,74’’ N 4º15’46,79’’ E
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MILITARY HEADQUARTERS
The former King’s house in Maó’s Isabel II Street, converted into the governor’s palace by the British. From the outside you can see the small square around which the building is arranged and that still preserves the distinctive features of the original architecture. Such features include a porch on the ground floor, which still shows the buttresses from the old castle, and a gallery running round the first floor, which is the corridor giving access to all the rooms. Nowadays it is the headquarters of the armed forces in Menorca.
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ES CASTELL TOWN COUNCIL
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ES CASTELL TOWN COUNCIL TOUR OF THE OUTSIDE Location: Explanada Square Town: Es Castell
39º52’48,46’’ N 4º17’26,87’’ E
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ES CASTELL TOWN COUNCIL
This is the central feature of the late 16th century urban layout. It consists of a large “plaza de armas” (literally “weapons square”) designed as the heart of the town. It is located at an angle to the junction between the two main streets, thus breaking a rule of Baroque town planning and emphasising its military nature; its shape means that the square is effectively separated from the rest of the town. The area surrounding the square was inhabited by soldiers’ families, shop owners and traders, sailors and other people who were connected in some way or other with the fortress. It was built by the British but was also used by the Spanish army up to a few decades ago. Today, part of the barracks is home to Menorca’s Military Museum. 86
CHAPTER 4 MUSEUMS
HERNÁNDEZ SANZ-HERNÁNDEZ MORA Museum Collection
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HERNÁNDEZ SANZ-HERNÁNDEZ MORA Museum Collection OPEN TO VISITORS Owned and managed by: Maó City Council Telephone: 971 350 597 Location: First floor of the cloister of El Carme. Miranda Square, 5 Town: Maó
39º53’19,31’’ N 4º15’57,96’’ E
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HERNÁNDEZ SANZ-HERNÁNDEZ MORA Museum Collection
The Hernández Sanz - Hernández Mora Museum Collection is based on the first floor of the cloister of El Carme in Maó. Joan Hernández Mora was born in Maó in 1902 and died in 1984; he was a Menorcan intellectual with a degree in History and Law. One of his last wishes was to give Maó City Council the private collections started by his father Francisco Hernández Sanz (Maó, 1863-1949), historian, archivist and editor of Revista de Menorca. The collections are now housed in the museum named after him. The Menorca-themed collection comprises illustrated works and decorative arts dating from the 17th to the 20th century and includes furniture, objects, paintings and maps. The museum has a room concentrating on the 18th century. You can also see a wonderful collection of ancient maps of Menorca and the Mediterranean. If you want to collect information about the island, you can search in the more than seven thousand works about Menorca in the museum library. 90
MUSEUM OF MENORCA
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MUSEUM OF MENORCA OPEN TO VISITORS Owned and managed by: Balearic Islands Government Telephone: 971 35 09 55 Location: Pla des Monestir Town: Maó
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39º53'27,88'' N 4º15'39,78'' E
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MUSEUM OF MENORCA
The Museum of Menorca is based in the old 15th century Franciscan monastery of Jesus, although the building you see today dates from the 17th and 18th centuries. The museum describes the history of the occupation of Menorca. The most interesting rooms are the ones on prehistory, ancient history and 18th century Menorca. There is also a room on Menorcan traditional trades and crafts plus a large collection of 18th, 19th and 20th century engravings and paintings. On the second floor, three rooms reflect the freedom of trade that flourished under British sovereignty and that brought economic prosperity and cultural development, especially in the fields of painting and literature. Menorca’s strategic importance during the 18th century can be seen in the maps and plans produced by European powers of the island, its harbours and its fortifications. The collection shows a particular interest in Maó harbour and its defences.
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MILITARY MUSEUM OF MENORCA
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MILITARY MUSEUM OF MENORCA OPEN TO VISITORS Owned and managed by: Consorcio del Museo Militar de Menorca y Patrimonio Histórico Milita Telephone: 971 362 100 Website: www.museomilitarmenorca.com Location: Explanada Square Town: Es Castell
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39º52’46,63’’ N 4º17’24,49’’ E 95
MILITARY MUSEUM OF MENORCA
The museum occupies part of the old Cala Corb barracks, in the central square of Es Castell. It was built by the British in 1771 to plans drawn up by the British Engineers Corps Colonel, Patrick Mackellar. It later housed the Artillery Academy (1811) and in the 20th century it was home to the Costa de Menorca Artillery Regiment. There are nineteen permanent exhibition rooms where you can trace the development of Menorca’s history from prehistoric times right through until the 20th century, including all the intervening periods and foreign occupations. A total of 15 rooms concentrate on the 18th century, with a fascinating section on the Fortress of La Mola, with a good collection of original plans and a collection of engineering tools. There is also a magnificent collection of old cannons and a complete set of scale models of Menorca’s fortifications. 96
CHAPTER 5 OTHERS
CAMÍ D’EN KANE
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CAMÍ D’EN KANE OPEN TO VISITORS Location: Camí d’en Kane (the road linking Maó and Mercadal)
39º54’31,26’’ N 4º13’59,85’’ E
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CAMÍ D’EN KANE
Sir Richard Kane was an Irish soldier who governed Menorca during the first period of British occupation. Between 1712 and 1717, when he arrived on the island, he put in place a network of roads that initially ran from Ciutadella to Sant Felip Castle, with the intention of making communications easier between troops in the forts of Maó and Ciutadella, and as far as possible, with more isolated areas and rural estates that had difficulty getting their produce to market. One of these roads, which in fact turned out to be one of Sir Richard Kane’s greatest contributions to public works on the island, still bears his name today. Nowadays, the stretch from Maó to Mercadal via Alaior still survives. The route crosses the inland rural landscape on the western side of the island. It is a wide road in good condition. 100
SIR RICHARD KANE OBELISK
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SIR RICHARD KANE OBELISK OPEN TO VISITORS Location: Carretera Maó - Fornells Town: Maó
39º53’52,18’’ N 4º14’58,42’’ E
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SIR RICHARD KANE OBELISK
Commissioned by British governor Eduard Fox in 1801, the obelisk is near Maó harbour, alongside the road built by Sir Richard Kane. The Latin inscription, carved in white marble, reads: “This royal way connecting the two extreme ends of the island was opened for the first time in the year 1720, by order of the enlightened gentleman, General Sir Richard Kane, invested by the King as High Governor of Menorca”. 103
WATER TANK OF ES MERCADAL
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WATER TANK OF ES MERCADAL OPEN TO VISITORS Owned and managed by: Mercadal Town Council Telephone: 971 375 002 Website: www.aj-esmercadal.org Location: Pla de Ses Eres Town: Mercadal
39º59’17,33’’ N 4º05’28,27’’ E
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WATER TANK OF ES MERCADAL
This huge water tank is still in use today and remains in very good condition. Its size and characteristics make it a very unusual construction. Building was started in 1735 by order of the island’s British governor, Sir Richard Kane. This large water tank collects rainwater and stores it in an inner tank holding about 273,000 litres. It was intended to ensure a regular water supply for troops stationed between Maó and Ciutadella and to improve quality of life for people living in Mercadal by providing them with a supply of drinking water. The water tank is next to the bridge on Camí de Ciutadella. It is undoubtedly one of the most important features of the British legacy during the periods of British occupation on Menorca. 106
WATER TANK OF ES MERCADAL
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British Menorca ohDigital Š 2013 www.ohdigital.cat
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