Forts & Museums
SAINT PHILIP’S FORT
King Philip II of Spain ordered the fort’s construction in 1555 and it was later expanded during the British occupation. When Spain took the island back for a brief period in the late 18th century, it was demolished. It was rebuilt and destroyed for a second time in 1805 so nothing above ground remains of it today. Below ground, however, is an intricate network of tunnels and galleries that may cover as much as 8 km, although only a fraction of this is open to the public. During the months of July, August and September visitors can explore the remains by day (Thursdays & Sundays 10:00h) or, for a real journey back in time, take the night time tour. Illuminated by lanterns and torches, actors dressed in period costumes recreate the sights and sounds of a fort under siege (Sunday 20.30h-23.00h –visit in English-; Saturday 20.30h-23.00h –visit in Spanish). See more details on ad.
MILITARY MUSEUM
Located in one part of the British-built military barracks in the main square in Es Castell, the military museum now displays the island’s colourful and varied military history. Spread over two storeys there are 17 rooms, each with a different theme: some focus on specific areas or forts, others on eras in history, such as the Spanish Civil War and yet others display guns, weapons, cannon balls and ammunition. The Museum is open to the public during July, August and September Monday to Friday 10.00h – 13.00h.LA MOLA
The fortress of Isabel II covers the entire headland on the north side of the entrance to Maó harbour. This vast fort was built between 1848 and 1875, in response to the threat of a further occupation by the British, who wanted to use Maó harbour as a base from which to defend themselves from the French.
Although an ambitious project, technological advances in artillery in the 1860s meant that by the time the fort was completed in 1875 it was already out of date. However, it was never truly put to the test as, by that time, the Mediterranean had entered a more peaceful phase of history and La Mola was never attacked.
It is, nevertheless, an excellent example of 19th century military architecture and impressive for the scale of the project alone. Now open to visitors, one can view the dry moat designed to defend from land-based attacks, the fortified enclosures from which cannons were operated to defend the entrance to the harbour, underground munitions stores, galleries, reservoirs, guns and much more.
Guided tours are highly recommended. Allow at least two hours for the visit. La Mola is also used as a venue for celebrations and conferences and star gazing evenings are organised during the summer.
FORT MARLBOROUGH
Built between 1710 and 1726 during the second British occupation in order to reinforce defences for Maó harbour, the fort is almost invisible from sea level having been built down into the bedrock. It nonetheless withstood several sieges, as is illustrated by the audiovisual presentation. Visitors enter the fort via a tunnel and can explore the underground galleries and rooms, dug from the rock, the dry moat and the upper enclosure, from where there are superb views of Maó harbour.
A little further along the coast is Stuart Tower (Torre d’en Penjat or Hangman’s Tower), built on higher ground in order to defend the fort. This tower is said to be the site of executions in days of old.
MENORCA MUSEUM
Housed in an old Franciscan convent dating back to the 18th Century, the beautifully restored building alone is worth a visit. Arranged over several floors, the museum takes you through the history of mankind in Menorca from the Bronze Age through early history to the modern day. On display are statues and carvings found in archaeological digs, agricultural and domestic items, maps and paintings. Located in Maó.
