In the 7th century, Ciutadella was devastated by the Muslims. During the Muslim dominion, which lasted until the beginnings of the 10th century, the town was known as Medina Minurka. The moors also fortified the hills of Santa Águeda.
The Moorish occupation left an important legacy in Menorca. This is particularly evident in the abundant place names of Arabic origins (starting with Bini = property of the son of ...) and water works such as sinia.
In 1558 it was razed by Turkish corsairs. You can see a soaring obelisk at the main square, the Plaça des Born, commemorating the futile defense against the Turks.
In 1722, the British governor, Richard Kane, moved the official offices to Maó.
Then came the French dominion and afterwards the Spanish rule, which was followed by the second British dominion.
Built in 1812 and 1813. One of few mills on Menorca with a base of two floors: The lower floor was a warehouse and the upper floor was the miller‘s living place. You can still visit the mill, although today there is a steakhouse in the base floor.
The San Juan festival taking place on June 23th and 24th
The Museu Municipal
This museum as a 5-minute walk away from the centre. Inside there is a wide range of archeological finds, especially from the Talayotic period, and artefacts garned from all over Menorca. An English description is available at the reception.
An attractive city square lined with the town hall with its 19th century Moorish-style arches on the western side and 17th and 18th century palaces on the other.
The town hall (ayuntamiento)
Used to be a royal palace
The pedestrian area through the old town.
This area is called Ses Voltes because of its whitewashed vaulted arcades. You will find several shops and cafés there.
Eglesia del Roser
This 17th century church was embroiled in controvery between the British and the Dominican friar owners. (By the way: Roser is pronouned something like Roosey and means rosary)
Street Market:
Plaza del Borne
Friday and Saturday (8.00 to 15.00 o'clock).
It is a working harbour with fishing boats and smaller yachts, lined by many restaurants.
Since the harbour is a narrow inlet, it had not been possible for cruise ships to use it and all that traffic used to go to Mahón.
Besides, this harbour is experiencing a phenomenon known as the "rissaga". Rissagas are sudden giant waves running into the natural harbour of Ciutadella nearly drainig it with masses of water.
They come unexpectedly - and no-body seems to know why - forcing the authorities to close it for a couple of days.
Now, with the nearby Son Blanc port (in the district of Sa Caleta) being opened for ferries from Mallorca and Barcelona as well as for cruise ships, the old Ciutadella harbour is relieved from heavy traffic and cruise shippers can go to Ciutadella directly.
If you come from the airport (some 50 km away) with a pre-booked hire car, you will enter Ciutadella on the main road, driving past the villages of Alaior, Es Mercadal and Ferrerias and finally the statue of a rearing stallion that symbolises the yearly summer festival.
If you come from the airport (some 50 km away) with a pre-booked hire car, you will enter Ciutadella on the main road, driving past the villages of Alaior, Es Mercadal and Ferrerias and finally the statue of a rearing stallion that symbolises the yearly summer festival. 
