Mahon (also known as Mao in Catalan) is capital of the Balearic island of Menorca. The town is arranged along a cliff top to the south of the large harbour. Mahon has been occupied by various nations during its long history, most notably the British in the 18th century. The British influence is seen throughout the old town, particularly in the Georgian-style architecture which is a feature of Mahon.



Close to the heart of Mahon is the Placa de s'Esplanada, originally the town's parade ground which was laid out by the British in the 18th century. On one side of the square are the old barracks. With its cafes, children's playground, flower beds and fountains, the Placa de s'Esplanada is a popular meeting place for the inhabitants of Mahon, who come here for a chat and to watch the world go by. A clothes market is held in the square every Tuesday and Sunday, and it is also used to host the occasional outdoor concert.

Mahon's old town is situated north-east of the Placa de s'Esplanada. One of the main sights within this maze of narrow streets and small squares is the church of Santa Maria which dominates the Placa de la Consititucio. Built in the 18th century on the site of a former church, Santa Maria is notable for its neo-Classical style and beautifully painted interior. Many visitors also come to hear its organ, built in 1810 by the Swiss maker Johann Kyburz. Next to the church is the late 18th century town hall. The building is open to visitors who are allowed to wander up to the council chamber to admire the fine portraits.

The Esglesia del Carme, built in the mid-18th century as a Carmelite convent, has a rather plain looking exterior in contrast to the bright interior. Although badly damaged during the Spanish Civil War, this church has since been thoroughly restored. When it was originally constructed on the site of a Roman necropolis, a number of ancient coins were discovered which are now on display in the Museu de Menorca. The cloisters next to the church have been converted into a covered market.

Situated alongside the church of Sant Francesc is the Museum of Menorca. This contains a large and varied collection of ate facts related to the island's history, including coins, maps, paintings and pottery. The museum's highlight is a skeleton of a goat-like animal, Myotragus Balearicus, which became extinct with the arrival of man on Menorca. Close to the museum is a distillery which produces the Xoriguer Rum.

The dominant feature of Mahon is the natural, deep-water harbour, which is one of the largest in the world. It is because of this harbour that the town has been strategically important through the years and the main reason why the British transferred the capital to Mahon from Cuidadela in 1722. One of the best ways to see the marina is on a glass-bottomed boat trip. From the water you can enjoy a fine view of the red Georgian villa, Hotel del Almirante, situated high up on the cliff.