Mahon is situated on Menorca, one of Spain’s Balearic Islands, and is its capital. The island was declared a Biosphere Reserve in 1993 in order to preserve the important wetlands ecosystems and the archaeological sites. As a result Menorca has not had the same huge increase in apartment blocks and hotels as have the other islands in the group.
Mahon takes its name from the Carthaginian General Mago Barca, the brother of the better known battle leader, Hannibal Barca, who took refuge in Mahon in the year 205 BC.
The city has had a stormy past, having been ruled by many different nations. It once had extensive to protect it from attack but now all that remains of them is the gate leading to the Mahon on the 14th century bridge of Sant Roc.
Mahon gas the biggest square on Menorca, the Plaza Esplanada, which is a well-known rendezvous for visitors and for the local inhabitants. Today it is surrounded on all sides by bars and eating places of all types when once it was a place for troops to parade. Also in this square is the Church of Santa Maria which was rebuilt between 1748 and 1772 and is home to a great organ with over 3000 pipes.
Another sign of the military past of Mahon is the 18th century Gobierno Militar, or Military Governor’s House. The building is still in use by the army today.
The architectural influence of many different cultures can be seen in Mahon. For example, the British influence can be seen in the Georgian houses with their sash windows. In one of these buildings, the Golden Farm overlooking the harbour, Admiral Lord Nelson wrote his autobiography, Sketches of My Life.
Although the port area offers a relaxing type of holiday by day it comes to life at night when the many restaurants and bars fill up with customers. The town itself has much to offer its visitors. Most of the shopping area is pedestrianised and there is a huge choice of shops where you can buy bakery products, the latest fashions, leather goods, pottery and fresh fish and food in the markets.
