WORLD EUROPE SPAIN CIUTADELLA


Ciutadella


Ciutadella (Spanish: Ciudadela) is town on the western side of Minorca.

History


Originally founded by the Carthaginians and was already the seat of a bishop in the 4th century. After being governed by the Moors for several centuries, Ciutadella was recaptured during the reconquista by men serving Alfonso II and became part of the Crown of Aragon. During the Middle Ages, the it became an important trading center.

In 1558, the Turks under Barbarossa entered and decimated the city.

Religion

Despite no longer being Minorca's capital, Ciutadella has remained the island's religious center. The festival of Saint John, its patron saint, takes place each year on the 23 & 24 of June. Its cathedral was built on the foundation of an older mosque.

Culture and Landmarks

In the 17th century, many beautiful civil and religious buildings were built in the Italian style there and give Ciutadella a historical and artistic unity.

Worth seeing is the old town. Ciutadella's town hall is the former palace of the Arab governor and later served as a royal palace under the Aragonese and again as a governor's palace until the British moved the capital to the eastern town of Mahon in 1722.
The former capital of the island is now known for its medieval charm. Ciutadella is considered a "Guardian of Traditions", while at the same time remaining one of the two bustling metropolises of Minorca. Its harbor is a very picturesque and lies on deep bay.

Demographics

Ciutadella has a population of 26,972 inhabitants living in an area of 186 km² at a density of 124 people per square kilometer.

References
  • The information in this article is based on a translation of its German equivalent.


  • External links
  • Official Website of Ciutadella




  • ...



    This picture is licensed under the Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/). Type of license:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  The owner of this picture is Stig Nygaard, more information is available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/stignygaard/ This picture is licensed under the Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/). Type of license:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/  The owner of this picture is okyanos, more information is available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nektar/ This picture is licensed under the Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/). Type of license:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/  The owner of this picture is chatirygirl, more information is available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/chatiryworld/ This picture is licensed under the Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/). Type of license:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  The owner of this picture is dphershman, more information is available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/hershman/
    This picture is licensed under the Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/). Type of license:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  The owner of this picture is noelweathers, more information is available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/77454909@N00/ This picture is licensed under the Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/). Type of license:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/  The owner of this picture is zooeybat, more information is available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/zooeybat/ This picture is licensed under the Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/). Type of license:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/3.0/  The owner of this picture is Jippolito, more information is available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/jacy/ This picture is licensed under the Creative Commons License (http://creativecommons.org/). Type of license:http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/  The owner of this picture is Whinging Pom, more information is available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/ohfuckkit/

    Hotels in Ciutadella
    Apartamentos Roc Lago Park Score 6.525 from 26 reviews
    Alisos s/n, Urb. Cala'n Bosch 6.53/10
    The 200 comfortable and pleasant Roc Lago Park apartments, with one and two bedrooms. ... more
     
    Valentin Star Score 8.175 from 3 reviews
    Cala´n Bosch 8.18/10
    Menorca, the second biggest of the Balearic Islands, is a paradise of serene and beautiful nature, with harmonious landscapes of colour, light, shade, and texture. This area is known for the salt water lake which makes this coastal region an ideal place to enjoy a quiet or active stay practising any kind of water sports. The relationship between the Menorcan people and their environment maintains the natural splendour of the island. ... more
     
    Aparthotel Paradise Club & Spa Score 8 from 32 reviews
    Avenida Circunvalacion, s/n 8/10
    Apart from being situated on a 2 and a half acre plot with gardens where you will find 2 swimming pools (one for children), a pool-bar and a playground, there is also children's activity programme. Come the evening you can enjoy the musical shows that take place in a dining room that boast superb sea views. ... more
     
    Hi! Hotel Cala'n Bosch Score 7.5 from 4 reviews
    Urbanizacion Tamarinda - Cala'n Bosch 7.5/10
    Rates in All Inclusive: A selection from the daily breakfast, lunch and dinner menus buffet style. Theme dinner nights. A range of locally produced alcoholic and soft drinks available for a minimum of 12 hours a day at selected bars. A choice of daily snacks between meals at the restaurant . Afternoon tea/coffee & biscuits at the bar. ... more
     
    Valentin Son Bou Hotel Score 5.7 from 8 reviews
    Urb. Torresolí Nou 5.7/10
    Located on a hill near the tranquil and beautiful Son Bou beach, this modern hotel is the ideal place to relax and unwind. The hotel occupies a position on the south coast of Menorca, the 2nd largest of the Balearic Islands, half a way from Mahón to Ciutadella. Menorca is a harmonic island, its landscape a mixture of colours and tints. The nearby beach, located 1.5 km from the hotel, is situated within a Natural Protected zone and is characterized by its natural beauty and calm. The hotel offers a regular, free bus shuttle service to the beach. At the bus-stop you will find connecting buses. The apartments are spread out on 2 floors and located in a large area with gardens opposite the hotel. Between the buildings, there is a large swimming pool where you can enjoy refreshing swims throughout the day. ... more
     
    More hotels in Ciutadella

    Barcelona Aquarium and Montjuich Fountains 8 hours

    Journey underwater in the Barcelona Aquarium's Oceanarium

    Begin this tour in the afternoon and go through until evening! Today includes two visits to different spectacles, both related to water - Barcelona Aquarium and the Montjuich Fountains.

    At Barcelona Aquarium you are about to dive into the sea depths and discover an unknown, fascinating world. A magic, mysterious world that brings you closer to its inhabitants and its most curious aspects.

    A living show, changing, with some 11,000 animals and approximately 450 different species in the Mediterranean and tropical tanks, as well as the permanent displays Planeta Aqua and Explora!

    Next you will have some free time at the biggest commercial and cultural center of Barcelona, The Maremagnum. It is located at the port and is the old harbor of Barcelona. For the Olympic Games of 1992 it was partly redeveloped with a modern leisure area with shops, bars, cinemas and the Barcelona Aquarium.

    Next you will see the Montjuich Fountains where you can see the show of water, lights and music. Admire this magic fountain when it explodes into a spectacular display of color and music! The Montjuich Fountains or The Magic Fountain is a "must see" for any visit to Barcelona!

    Click here for more information and Booking Details


    Madrid by Night with Florida Park Nightclub 4 - 4.5 hours

    Madrid by Night with Florida Park Nightclub

    Enjoy panoramic sightseeing by night throughout the most interesting avenues and squares of the city and past Madrid's spectacular floodlit fountains, before arriving at the Florida Park Nightclub.

    Here you will see an exciting Spanish Flamenco Show, along with a selection of other Spanish Dances. Before the show, enjoy a dance or two with the orchestra songs.

    Tonight you have an option of either a traditional Tapas meal, a three course dinner, or simply a drink while watching the show.

    Click here for more information and Booking Details


    Catalan Festivals and Culture: Fire and Dragon Festival 8 hours

    Catalan Festivals and Culture: Fire and Dragon Festival

    Head south to the home town of the 19th century Catalan cellist Pau Cassals. Like other towns in Catalonia, this one celebrates the summer in style during a four day festival, held on the day of Santa Anna. Experience one of the most magical moments when the town transforms into a fantastical and vibrant world of dragons and mythical creatures.

    It is fire that is the real protagonist of this festival when a massive Fire Procession winds its way through the streets. Over twenty dragons move through the darkened walkways shooting fire in different directions. Join in with the locals and run in and out of the fire before the biggest dragon in Europe, El Caramot, arrives. See this dragon with your own eyes; the Caramot is over 20 meters long and weighs the equivalent of eight strong men. Watch from a safe distance or dance with the locals!

    Take a break from the madness to renew your energy over a dinner of a "pica-pica" (tapas and drinks). Many bars throughout Catalonia specialize in small tapas dishes such as Iberian Ham, little sausages, Spanish omelette, Russian Salad, Patatas Bravas and the Catalan specialty, bread and tomato with olive oil (pan amb tomaquet). All washed down with a refreshing glass of regional sparkling Cava.

    Back to the fire and the climax of the festival is waiting to happen outside the town church, when the bell tower is used as the basis for a spectacular fire work display.

    Click here for more information and Booking Details


    For a complete scuba diving guide with great articles and more destination information, visit Divepilot.com
    ADD TO DEL.ICIO.US   ADD TO DIGG   ADD TO FURL   ADD TO REDDIT   ADD TO STUMBLEUPON   ADD TO TECHNORATI FAVORITES   ADD TO WINDOWS LIVE   ADD TO YAHOO MYWEB   ADD TO GOOGLE

    © 2008 D4DR Media | All Rights Reserved | Terms and Conditions | Copyright Notices