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Menorca Island News The Magic of Mahon - Menorca's Capital
Menorca Island News The Magic of Mahon - Menorca's Capital The Magic of Mahon - Menorca's Capital
It’s no secret Menorca is famous for its crystal clear waters, hidden harbours, beautiful public beaches and succession of secret coves and caves; it is also home to Mahon, the island’s capital. Today, it is a prosperous hub for tourism so if you fancy escaping laid back living for a day, Mahon is your answer. But Mahon has not always been a bustling place; it boasts a fascinating history.
The name's origin is attributed to the Carthaginian general Mago Barca, brother to Hannibal, who is thought to have taken refuge there in 205 BC. In 1287 Mahon was then captured and taken from the Moors by Alfonso III of Aragon.
Interestingly, it was then incorporated into the Kingdom of Majorca which was regarded as a sub-kingdom of Aragon.
Mahon’s harbour was, and still is, one of the most strategically important harbours in the Mediterranean Sea. Seeing it was such a desirable harbour, during the war of the Spanish Succession in 1707 Menorca was captured by the British. The Treaty of Utrecht then confirmed British ownership of the island in 1713.
Under British rule, Mahon was named the capital city of Menorca. Previously, Ciutadella was the island’s capital but the British felt the strategic position of the island made it a great military advantage during wartimes.
The original Balearic dialects of Menorqui, Mallorqui and Elvissenc were officially suppressed under the dictatorship of General Franco from the 1930’s to the 1970’s. After his death and the liberalisation of the islands, the Catalan language was able to emerge once again.
However, the decades of suppression did take its toll on Menorca’s dialect, Menorqui. Today, the co-official languages in Mahon are Spanish and Catalan. As are the other Balearic Islands, post 20th Century Mahon is now under Spanish rule and without a doubt, the 20th century brought an entirely new outlook for the island. Namely, peace was restored and General Franco’s dictatorship came to an end and tourism was introduced.
The early tourists were patients from Spain whose doctors recommended sunshine and relaxation to cure the aches and pains of the winter chill. Eventually, hotels began to fill the capacity and expand across the city and finally new resorts were built.
Mahon was becoming more like the city so many tourists today have fallen in love with. Tourists now find themselves struck speechless when faced with some of Mahon’s archaeological and architectural heritage.
Rich with culture and opportunities to learn and witness the cities historical past, Mahon is full of museums, galleries and historical sites which tell the tales of centuries gone past. For example, tourists can see how Mahon’s ports were used to aid in war efforts and to help fortify the city itself.
Mahon also boasts the deepest natural ports in the world which are still used as a main port for fishing or leisure sports. Cruise ships also use the port as a port of call for passengers on tour.
Most of the shopping is along pedestrian streets with wonderful cake shops, swish boutiques, leather, pottery and fresh fish and food in the markets. A number of bars and restaurants also come alive at night.
All of this rich history makes Mahon a must for every visitor to Menorca.
Interestingly, it was then incorporated into the Kingdom of Majorca which was regarded as a sub-kingdom of Aragon.
Mahon’s harbour was, and still is, one of the most strategically important harbours in the Mediterranean Sea. Seeing it was such a desirable harbour, during the war of the Spanish Succession in 1707 Menorca was captured by the British. The Treaty of Utrecht then confirmed British ownership of the island in 1713.
Under British rule, Mahon was named the capital city of Menorca. Previously, Ciutadella was the island’s capital but the British felt the strategic position of the island made it a great military advantage during wartimes.
The original Balearic dialects of Menorqui, Mallorqui and Elvissenc were officially suppressed under the dictatorship of General Franco from the 1930’s to the 1970’s. After his death and the liberalisation of the islands, the Catalan language was able to emerge once again.
However, the decades of suppression did take its toll on Menorca’s dialect, Menorqui. Today, the co-official languages in Mahon are Spanish and Catalan. As are the other Balearic Islands, post 20th Century Mahon is now under Spanish rule and without a doubt, the 20th century brought an entirely new outlook for the island. Namely, peace was restored and General Franco’s dictatorship came to an end and tourism was introduced.
The early tourists were patients from Spain whose doctors recommended sunshine and relaxation to cure the aches and pains of the winter chill. Eventually, hotels began to fill the capacity and expand across the city and finally new resorts were built.
Mahon was becoming more like the city so many tourists today have fallen in love with. Tourists now find themselves struck speechless when faced with some of Mahon’s archaeological and architectural heritage.Rich with culture and opportunities to learn and witness the cities historical past, Mahon is full of museums, galleries and historical sites which tell the tales of centuries gone past. For example, tourists can see how Mahon’s ports were used to aid in war efforts and to help fortify the city itself.
Mahon also boasts the deepest natural ports in the world which are still used as a main port for fishing or leisure sports. Cruise ships also use the port as a port of call for passengers on tour.
Most of the shopping is along pedestrian streets with wonderful cake shops, swish boutiques, leather, pottery and fresh fish and food in the markets. A number of bars and restaurants also come alive at night.
All of this rich history makes Mahon a must for every visitor to Menorca.
