Searching for avalaibility....

Mao

Its natural harbour, one of the largest in the world and probably the most beautiful, and its waters has been the historical doorway to many civilizations. Strategically situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, this natural sea-open fortress has been the Mediterranean's most desired refuge in order to take cover from the tramontana winds, the fury of the sea and, above all, the enemy vessels.

3000 years ago the Phoenicians called it Maghen regarding it as a shell; a shield against the hazards met before arriving. The Carthaginians also became part of city history, to the point that the origin of the city name could derive from General Magon, Hannibal's brother, who settled on the island around 205 b.c.

The city grew with the coming of the Romans who granted the name of municipality and with the presence of the Muslims the capital was shifted to Ciutadella. The episodes of invasions and rules reach its most dramatic moment in 1535, a year of grief, when the terrible pirate, Red Beard, ransacked and destroyed the city as well as capturing hundreds of its inhabitants, who were forced to slavery and sent to the north of Africa.

In spite of the raiders, famine and other scars, the city began to recover economically and Mao's urban development considerably increases through out the following years, reaching its maximum splendour during the 18th century.

Whilst the British, French and Spanish were at war for the control of the city, the eagerness for such treasured prize caused five changes in power. Ever since the first British occupation in 1722, Maó was turned into the capital of the island administration, the harbour business flourished and the transit of fleets from all over the world became quite intense, allowing the growth of an important middle class in Maó. This is when the most outstanding buildings were lifted and Maó acquired the personality, which can still be felt in its streets.

This continuous come and go of civilizations has transformed Maó into a rich fusion of cultures, into an amicable and cosmopolitan city with a strong sensed of hospitality and a perfect balance between the past and the present.

Its streets are thronged by a wide cultural legacy left by the various civilizations. An easy stroll through its old city centre allows us to recognize the heritage of the colonial style from the 18th century in its unique neoclassic town hall with Baroque elements and the red façade of the Principal de Guardia (originally meant to lodge the British guards); as well as nearly al the religious buildings: Sant Francesc, El Carme or Santa Maria; which holds an impressive organ from the beginning of the 19th century and performs unforgettable classical concerts.

The love for art professed by the inhabitants of Maó is highlighted in the Main Theatre (one of the oldest opera houses in Spain) or in The Literature and Science Athenaeum, a reference of the 18th century illustrious spirit. A visit not to be missed is the Minorca Museum, an old convent of the Franciscan Order with dashes of Baroque where one can discover the cultural reality of the island.

A walk up and down the steep streets of the city centre gives us the chance to have a view of the modernist buildings (Mir House) or the astonishing seigniorial houses along Isabel II Street. The tour can follow with a call at the Fish Market (Mercado del Pescado), built on top of an old bulwark dated in the 18th century, where fishermen assure a daily provision of the sea's freshest products. To close this charming gastronomy route one can enter the Carme Cloister where one will find a typical and homemade food market.

Once its magic has been grasped, it's worthwhile stopping at its spectacular outlooks, such as the Miranda Square (Plaza Miranda), where one can admire the complete beauty of the harbour before a ride along it. Therefore, one can discover, sailing along its three miles, landscapes of massive fortresses of the past, barren islands loaded with history and majestic colonial villas; such as The Golden Farm which overlooks the bay and, so says the legend, was the scenery of the romance between Lord Nelson and Lady Hamilton during the British occupation.

After this encounter with the city history, nothing better than a visit to the tiny shops along the harbour or chilling out on a café terrace.