In the third episode of “Chef’s Table,” the Netflix series profiled Francis Mallmann, an acclaimed Argentinian chef known for his focus on cooking via an open fire As a fan of the show and someone who has had hundreds of conversations with others about the show I know that Mallmann’s episode is a celebrated one People seem to remember it as much for the visuals of the fire as it was for the person One of those who was inspired by the latter was RoMa Craft Tobac’s Skip Martin. Previously, he explained on social media: I considered a cigar in 2015 called La Maestranza de Barrio Oscar Benevides for CRAFT 2015 We had finished building Nica Sueño in our new neighborhood and I wanted to mark the milestone of all of the work it took to get from our humble beginnings to that point In an early episode of Chef’s Table (Season 1 Episode 3) Francis Mallmann uses the word ‘maestranza’ defining it as ‘the people who are around you helping’ I’m very excited to get this one out there and hope whatever success it achieves stands to honor all of the people who are around me helping me to execute and realize the vision that was/is RoMa Craft Tobac and Nica Sueño As the saying goes: No great thing was ever done by a single person So it can also be said that no cigar is the result of the work of a single master This project as with all of the thousand other little things we do every day are the result of the hard work and dedication of dozens of people hundreds of pairs of hands on the oars moving them forward Martin is at least one of two people in the cigar industry who thought that “maestranza” was a good name. The other was a member of the Meerapfel family, which also has a cigar called Maestranza The two companies appear to have reached an agreement of sorts: RoMa Craft Tobac will only sell its Maestranza cigar in the U.S. while Meerapfel won’t sell its Maestranza in America As for RoMa Craft Tobac’s Maestranza it uses a Mexican San Andrés wrapper over a Brazilian binder and fillers from the Dominican Republic There used to be terms like American Market Selection which were candela wrappers; English Market Selection which were slightly darker wrappers; and then Spanish Market Selection These terms were used to describe Cuban cigar wrappers though outside of English Market Selection Martin has described this cigar as having a Spanish Market Selection wrapper a limited edition cigar called CRAFT Maquette La Maestranza That cigar came in bundles and used red and yellow ribbons as bands Note: The following shows the various Maestranza vitolas Some of these cigars may have been released after this post was originally published As much as this review reads like a trip to the sandwich shop—bread herbs and even meatiness—I never really thought of it like that A robust and nearly ever-present woodiness helped to always keep this cigar in more of the traditional side of things versus some of the more obscure-tasting cigars I was surprised by how many burn issues there were given the short length but I was more surprised with how different the Maestranza Ciutadella Catalonia was compared to the CRAFT Maquette version it lacked the nuance that this smaller size had the three regular production vitolas began shipping The names and boxes have ties to the Maestranza de caballería, Spanish noble militias though I’m not going to be confusing this with dark broadleaf anytime soon the cigars do little to hide the vein structure The first cigar has very little aroma from the wrapper very dry with hints of some roasted flavors I typically smell from fire-cured tobacco The second and third cigars are more medium-full and the roasted flavor really comes to life While I’m no longer smelling the same parts of the cigars—wrapper versus now filler tobacco—there’s a similar contrast with the feet of the three Maestranza Ciutadella Catalonias The first one is medium-full but relatively nondescript with plain cereal with lots of bourbon-like elements: woodiness the cold draws show similarities between the first two cigars: graham cracker leads with pecan wood pecan and some sweet strawberry pastry-like flavors at the end the third cigar is the different one here: cereal over creamed coffee while tertiary flavors are largely spices though there’s some faint sweetness Retrohales consistently push nuttiness to the forefront leather and some whiskey-like toastiness as a transition to the finish which sees the pepper notes get intense at the back of the throat One cigar needs a touch-up to help with an uneven burn the removal of the band happens in the final third but with the shortness of the Maestranza Ciutadella Catalonia it’s something that must be done before the halfway point of the cigar though each cigar continues to have a different version while the final cigar shows signs of sourdough I get varying amounts of creaminess—one cigar tastes like I just finished a latte another has none of those flavors—while all three cigars add some herbal aspects that dry the profile out a tad The first second or two of the finish is led by herbs but a roux-like starchy creaminess quickly rises to the top All three cigars have some sugar in the finish so I can’t really figure out what type of sweetness only one cigar really reminds me of a pretzel it feels like the retrohale isn’t putting flavors in as many parts of the palate something that is antithetical to how most cigars perform the finish of each cigar is herbal for a second or two body is medium-full or full and strength is medium-plus construction is very good: easy draws and plenty of smoke the bread and saltiness are present but not as prevalent as before another has a roasted nuttiness and the third is a hybrid of the two While the downturn in bread-like flavors is a notable change I’m finally able to identify some of the faint sweetness this time presenting itself like a vanilla frosting The bread and saltiness both return during the finish albeit the latter is only on the sides of my tongue which pairs nicely with the bread and herbs that remain starchiness returns and the white pepper’s intensity picks up again very much situated at the back of the throat body is medium-full and strength is medium-plus Construction is pretty good during the final third I avoid any need for touch-ups and the combustion is impressive even at finger-burning lengths I am an editor and co-founder of halfwheel.com/Rueda Media I previously co-founded and published TheCigarFeed I have written about the cigar industry for more than a decade covering everything from product launches to regulation to M&A I handle a lot of the behind-the-scenes stuff here at halfwheel wearing sweatshirts year-round and eating gyros Experts hope vessel’s old timbers and nails will help shed light on how boats were built during medieval period Archaeologists excavating the site of a former fish market in Barcelona have uncovered the remains of a large medieval boat that was swallowed by the waters off the Catalan capital 500 or 600 years ago which is being dug up in order to build a new centre dedicated to biomedicine and biodiversity has already yielded finds ranging from a Spanish civil war air-raid shelter to traces of the old market and of the city’s 18th-century history archaeologists came across the ruined stern of a big vessel that may have sunk during a storm in the 15th or 16th centuries when that part of Barcelona was still under the sea 10 metres long and three metres wide and crossed by more than 30 curved wooden ribs has been uncovered at a depth of 5 metres below sea level “We’d thought some archaeological boat remains might turn up on this site which is near the port and the artificial stone quay that protected the port and which was a working zone in the 15th and 16th centuries,” said the lead archaeologist The surviving wood of the boat – which has been named the Ciutadella I after the nearby Ciutadella park – is very fragile and has been kept damp and covered with the sand in which it lay for centuries to help prevent further deterioration “The wood has to be kept constantly damp so as to keep it in a good state,” said Delia Eguiluz we’ll have to dismantle it piece-by-piece so we can continue our research.” labelling all the pieces and taking samples from the boat the wreck will be taken to a special facility where it will be treated with water-soluble wax to reinforce and preserve the structure Free weekly newsletterThe most pressing stories and debates for Europeans – from identity to economics to the environment Experts hope its old timbers and nails will help shed light on how boats were built in the medieval period. Its discovery comes 17 years after another 15th-century boat, known as Barceloneta I was found near a railway station in the city The team believes that analysis of the newly discovered vessel’s wood and resin will help establish where it was made “This is a very important discovery,” said Palacios “It’s not just about finding one boat because we now have two examples of perfectly documented naval construction in the city of Barcelona.” Barcelona City Council Archaeology ServiceThe medieval ship unearthed in Barcelona now called Ciutadella I because it was found near Ciutadella Park The Spanish city of Barcelona has a long and proud seafaring history it wasn’t a total surprise when archaeologists uncovered the remains of a medieval boat beneath the city’s former Mercat de Peix (fish market) Hidden 18 feet beneath the ground for centuries this shipwreck is now revealing valuable information about both medieval shipbuilding techniques and how the coast of Barcelona has changed over the centuries Barcelona City Council Archaeology ServiceArchaeologists working on the Ciutadella I shipwreck which was found beneath the site of Barcelona’s former fish market As the Barcelona City Council Archaeology Service explained in a statement the medieval shipwreck was discovered in April 2025 This 15th or 16th-century vessel was discovered near Barcelona’s former fish market which is being developed into a center for biomedicine and biodiversity A “derelict” — a ship or shipwreck covered by sediment over time — the remains were discovered 18 feet beneath the ground contains 30 curved wooden ribs and at least seven hull planks and is held together with both wooden and iron nails This kind of construction is known as “skeleton” construction It was popular during the Middle Ages in the Mediterranean and throughout the rest of Europe starting in the mid-15th century Barcelona City Council Archaeology ServiceAn overhead view of the shipwreck which could now provide valuable information about medieval shipbuilding methods The Barcelona Archaeology Service reports that its wooden frame has been kept covered with sand to prevent it from drying out and degrading the ship will be transferred to a special facility that can properly protect and preserve it But how did the Ciutadella I end up 18 feet beneath the ground Barcelona City Council Archaeology ServiceArchaeologists working on the Ciutadella I As the Barcelona Archaeology Service reports the discovery of the Ciutadella I illustrates just how much Barcelona has changed over the centuries After artificial piers were constructed in the city in 1439 Coastal drift and storms caused the beach to advance and pushed sand into places that were once covered with water and the Ciutadella I is only the second example of a seagoing vessel found in Barcelona a 15th-century ship named the Barceloneta I was found during excavations near the Estació de França train station “The discovery of ‘Ciutadella I’ complements and enriches the knowledge obtained with ‘Barceloneta I,'” said the Barcelona City Council Archaeology Service “offering a more complete vision of the diversity and complexity of medieval maritime activity in Barcelona and consolidating the city as a key point of the trade routes of the time.” Elsewhere across Europe in recent years, centuries-old ships have likewise been found buried just beneath the ground. In 2020, three Roman warships were found stuck in clay in Serbia. And in 2022, archaeologists came across a medieval cargo ship in Tallinn, Estonia the ship discovered in Barcelona is not the only discovery that archaeologists have made during excavations at the site They also found an air raid shelter that was built in 1938 to protect the old Central Fish Market from bombings structures associated with the 18th-century Bourbon Citadel and structures associated with the 19th-century Old Fish Market After reading about the medieval shipwreck that was found in the middle of Barcelona, discover the stories behind nine of the most famous shipwrecks of all time. Then, learn about some of the world’s most historic sunken ships. First published: January 15, 2025 02:37 PM The Ciutadella park, which includes the Barcelona Zoo and the Catalan parliament, will get a new access to the city, connecting the neighborhoods of Ciutat Vella and Vila Olímpica. Inhabitants, students from the nearby Pompeu Fabra university and visitors will be able to enter the park via Wellington Street without detouring around the zoo. Park visitors will access through a bridge built above the zoo installations while the zoo visitors will access the installations from under the new construction. This new entrance aims to make the park more accessible, as well as to better blend the green spaces within the city. "We'll try to make the Ciutadella more accessible and the zoo more open to the city and more integrated within the park," Jaume Collboni, Barcelona mayor, said during a press conference on Wednesday. Access to the nearby tramway station Wellington and metro L4 at Ciutadella Vila Olímpica station will also be facilitated. The access via Wellington Street was initially planned in the initial project of the park by architect Josep Fontseré and existed until the 1950s, when it became an exclusive zoo access. This new pathway, provisionally called Biodiversity pathway, is part of a remodeling plan of the park, the 'Ciutadella Knowledge Hub' project. With the idea of creating a scientific center of innovation within Ciutadella park, new research centers on biology or NanoSciences, for instance, will be built. The city council collaborates with the Pompeu Fabra University (UPF), the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) and the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in the Knowledge Hub project. Collboni said the aim is "to create an area where science, knowledge and culture are represented." New buildings are under construction, among which the Fish market, a new research complex at the Wellington future entrance, and a new central library next to the train station Estació de França. Both will be connected with the new pathway through the park. This new path is also an opportunity for the Knowledge hub to integrate with the Barcelona Zoo, letting children be informed on nature and biodiversity. The construction of the pathway will take place in two phases. The first part of the project will focus on the entrance above the zoo, as well as renovating the zoo entrance. The inferior path through the zoo should be completely immersed into nature, integrating the existing greenery, press release says. The second phase will prolong the pathway up to the other side of the park, progressively reducing the Parliament parking space towards a green area. In total, it will be a 26,000 m2 path, with a portion of at least 20 meters wide. The pathway will cost €13 million while the overall project of the Ciutadella Knowledge hub requires an investment of €290 million. "This new path will be a reality in the spring of 2027," Jaume Collboni said. Construction work should begin in the first trimester of 2026. Get the day's biggest stories right to your phone It’s certainly not hard to find oneself on the water in Menorca, Spain. The Balearic Island in the Mediterranean Sea is increasingly offered as a more intimate alternative to neighboring Mallorca and is quickly becoming the preferred choice for water lovers who appreciate style meaning that despite its emerging popularity great pains have been taken to conserve the surroundings and ensure that economic development is environmentally sustainable everything new is grounded in something old offering a little magic with every ocean view Visitors staying at beach resorts should make a point of having dinner at one of the many restored farmhouses in the interior of the island they should also make a trip to Ciutadella the charming old town of Menorca that’s full of the island’s best eateries Among the spots located along the port is Cafe Balear which opened more than 40 years ago as a tavern for seafarers which helps supply fresh fish and seafood for paellas To snag an alfresco seat along the harbor’s quay Villa Le Blanc, a Gran Melia Hotel is one of the newest luxury properties on the island sustainable respite on Menorca’s southwest coast The 159-room oceanfront property derives 30% of its energy from solar panels that are adjacent to a rooftop adults-only pool where the hotel’s minimalist modern design allows the surrounding ocean to shine Art and furniture sourced from around the Balearic Islands rely on natural materials and organic shapes, while local cheeses, wines and produce are the backbone behind the tasty food at three restaurants (including an outpost of the popular S’Amarador restaurant well-stocked kids’ playroom make it a great landing spot for families while the Thai Room spa is a must for a couples massage And active clients will want to know that the property is along the historic Cami de Cavalls the 115-mile hiking trail and former horse path that circles the coast hotels and plenty of wild natural beauty in the form of forests Hauser & Wirth Menorca is no regular museum — it’s an all-day affair Located on its own small island in the harbor of the capital city of Mahon it’s accessible by a 15-minute ferry ride that leaves promptly on the hour from 11 a.m which is adjacent to the eight small contemporary art galleries housed in the hospital’s repurposed outbuildings It’s a good thing that the amount of art on display is entirely manageable for a quick visit as most visitors will want to stroll the garden and sculpture trail featuring works by Joan Miro and Louise Bourgeois sangria and an ocean view cap off a beautiful visit Copyright © 2025 Northstar Travel Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. 301 Route 17 N, Suite 1150, Rutherford, NJ 07070 USA | Telephone: (201) 902-2000 ShareSaveLifestyle TravelCiutadella: Menorca’s Curious Second CityByJohn Oseid Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights travel writer John Oseid can be found in NYC or LA.Follow AuthorMay 17 11:22am EDTShareSaveThis article is more than 2 years old.Along with Menorca’s capital Mahón Ciutadella on the west coast is the Spanish island’s only other real city and was itself the capital during the 18th-century British occupation Ciutadella is one of those Mediterranean towns made for wandering in which you might hardly see a soul spent in an afternoon along its narrow streets lined with honey-colored houses While you can enter the lovely little open courtyard of the Bishop’s Residence the 13th-century cathedral itself might well be closed and folks are all long gone from the historic little cast-iron fish market It’s a town of a few oddities—all good ones narrow port is lined with food and drink establishments stands a curious 72-foot-high obelisk erected in the 19th-century to commemorate a 16th-century Turkish raid that decimated the town the festival of Sant Joan on June 23-24 is a celebration of the indigenous Menorcan horse In what is a kind of island-style running of the bulls challenge lead their mounts into jaleo movements in which the gorgeous black horses rear for a few seconds while hardy souls try to touching their chest for good luck The Naveta des Tudons is one of countless Bronze Age structures on Menorca There’s even a a stone block maze erected at the quarry bottom At first glance, it’s not big for an object of such import. But walk around the Naveta des Tudons and slowly the magnitude of its Bronze Age significance sinks in and you wonder at how ancient people in the 14th-century B.C moved massive stones to create this upside down boat-shaped structure funereal chambers and T-shaped megaliths—that developed out of the culture called the Talaiotic Lithica is a former quarry turned public space wool producers and much more of Menorca’s rural food producers you can enjoy all these natural products in any number of bars Maybe you’re hankering to finally try the traditional paprika-flavored sobrassada pork sausage All it takes is to start once again wandering with no aim through the car-free stone-paved streets and weave under numerous arcades before you sit down wherever strikes your fancy you’ll spot twin 19th-century neoclassical mansions known collectively as the Palau Salort which are open to the public If you make it out to the tip of the city and the port entrance you can enter the small octagonal Castell de Sant Nicolau with its handsome watchtower The views of the city and sea are limitless Once you’ve made a few tours of Ciutadella Isabella Noble When Menorca was named European Gastronomy Capital in 2022 the world simply clocked on to what locals (and a few clued-up travelers) have known for years Dining on this bewitching island off Spain’s east coast is more relaxed than elsewhere in the Balearics and even upscale places have a laid-back vibe And while some restaurants close in the low season there’s a growing movement for places to stay open year-round Balearic Isles 07702">.css-56eu0z{width:1em;height:1em;display:inline-block;line-height:1em;-webkit-flex-shrink:0;-ms-flex-negative:0;flex-shrink:0;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray100);vertical-align:middle;fill:currentColor;}Carrer de Sant Fernando This casa de comidas, or restaurant that serves homestyle dishes at affordable prices, has been one of the capital’s most-loved tapas spots for almost two decades. It was once a standalone operation on Rovellada de Dalt—and even though it relocated to the Cristine Bedfor boutique hotel in 2021 it still feels more like a great local restaurant that just happens to be attached to a hotel when it gets lively with locals catching up over a lightly cooked tortilla with caviar and some ensaïmada-style sandwiches called bikinis Menorcan Maó along with a few pintxos from the Merca Apas or La Faim food counters Balearic Isles 07760">Avinguda de Jaume I el Conqueridor Ciutadella If there’s one super-nice spot you should absolutely make time for on a trip to Menorca wonderfully original menu changes each season though the now-famous crawfish ravioli (which you can order by piece) and beluga lentils with king-prawn tempura make regular appearances with exposed ductwork and rafters that give it a warehouse vibe while the whitewashed interior patio laid with giant stones is a little breezier making it an extra-tempting Ciutadella base PlayUnmutePigalle French This light-flooded French bakery got its name from a long-running cafe that used to be in the same space It's located in Maó’s colorfully painted historic center and it’s where you want to come for a real-deal croissant or pain au chocolat Grab a freshly squeezed orange juice or a frothy cappuccino made with beans from Mallorca-based specialty roaster Mistral and perch at the window or streetside bench with the regulars grab a loaf of Pigalle’s payés sourdough bread (which you’ll spot at restaurants across the island) to go with a slab of cheese from Maó’s nearby market PlayUnmuteRestaurante Cap Roig Carrer Gran de sa Mesquida Sa Mesquida The staggering coastal views are reason enough for venturing a few miles north of Maó to Cap Roig a stone-built restaurant on a cliff overlooking Sa Mesquida cove it’s been a top spot on the local radar for its fresh seafood Share a few plates with a group over a long lunch—hopefully out on the terrace because of course you remembered to book a table in advance Start with a bottle of Menorca-made Sa Cudia wine and some grilled local prawns or mussels fresh from Maó’s harbor while you wait for your cuttlefish-loaded arròs negre to arrive Bodegas Binifadet Cami De Ses Barraques Sant Lluís If you’ve been hearing a lot about Menorcan wines lately you have bodegas like Binifadet to thank for pioneering the revival of rare ancient grapes and putting this island on the world’s wine map They also happen to have one of its best restaurants which serves modern Menorcan dishes on a romantic It’s handy for lunch if you’re joining a vineyard tour but we think it feels more special at night when it’s all lit up Order a platter of locally-made sobrasada or cheeses to share plus a chargrilled-vegetable rice or heartier meat dish like pork cheeks with mahón cheese PlayUnmuteCafé Balear Pez Limón Carrer de Sant Joan Baptista This place in the thick of Ciutadella’s meandering old town does great cocido croquetas that are based on a generations-long family recipe The daily-changing arròs shows up at your table still simmering and the Basque-style cheesecake owes all of its sublime goopiness to cala blau cheese It’s open in the evenings and also for lunch on the weekends when you might need a break from wandering the markets and most people gravitate towards its handful of streetside tables the arch-filled interior that’s lit with lots of beachy rattan fixtures is a fun vibe Ciutadella 07760">Plaça de Born 5 Ciutadella de Menorca Bar Imperi is what Spaniards call a café de toda la vida (basically it’s still one of Ciutadella’s go-to spots for breakfast where Menorcans mingle with a few curious visitors at sunny terrace tables on a corner of the old town’s Plaça des Born Start the day with some deliciously uncomplicated llonguets which are small bread rolls stuffed with typical Menorcan ingredients This is also a great place to pick up sandwiches to go for the beach or a hike or to relax with a cold beer later in the day Pintarroja Carrer Moll d'en Pons Seafood Es Castell Anything seafood is the way to go at this newish chiringuito-inspired spot on the outskirts of Maó but definitely make a reservation for dinner and get the grilled sardines and a local tomato salad with mahón cheese All of the seating is on the terrace that's decked with string lights and potted olive trees and just a couple of meters from the water Es Tast de na Silvia Mon Restaurant Passeig de Sant Nicolau Balearic Come to the edge of Ciutadella’s historic center for a meal made by a native Menorcan chef who trained at Catalonia’s famed El Celler de Can Roca Book a table for dinner and pick from a three- or seven-course tasting menu that could include a spread of lesser-known Menorcan cheeses or a delicate prawn carpaccio with basil ice cream minimalist dining room that’s backed by a cane-shaded courtyard El Romero Plaça de la Conquesta and they’ve got tasty vegetarian dishes like the chilled ajoblanco an almond-based gazpacho that comes with crunchy seasonal vegetables The friendly owners pick up the daily fresh catch from Mercat des Peix just a few steps away and whip up things like prawn tartare with truffle and white chocolate or the wild fish of the day in hollandaise There’s a sunny terrace that overlooks the back of Maó’s cathedral the interior is also lovely and full of bright exposed masonry that gives it an old-world vibe PlayUnmute Nonna Bazaar Carretera Cala en Blanes Ciutadella de Menorca Mediterranean Come get a crisp Negroni made with Menorcan Xoriguer gin and a super-fresh mezze platter to go with it at this sprawling restaurant set in a restored 100-year-old farmhouse just outside Ciutadella Many ingredients on the Mediterranean menu are grown in the surrounding gardens so you’ll get herby tabbouleh and wood-oven pizzas alongside pata negra jamón so come with a group of friends to catch the sunset over the hills before dinner PlayUnmuteSa Llagosta Carrer de Gabriel Gelabert Fornells Head to this tavern-like spot to try the traditional Balearic dish of caldereta de llagosta spiny lobster stew (with an admittedly hefty price tag) that the north-coast town of Fornells is especially famous for Sa Llagosta makes some of the best on the island it takes at least two people to eat the whole thing The lobster-laced rice and garlicky lobster al ajillo shine as do local seasonal catches and seafood-focused dishes that pull in flavors from around the globe like scorpionfish with shiitake and rockfish tartar with salicornia Book ahead for lunch on the terrace overlooking the palm-lined harbor Torralbenc Carretera Mao - Cala Porter Alaior Torralbenc is where you’ll want to come for that one big Located between Alaior and Cala’n Porter on the south-central coast this is Menorca’s original fancy agroturisme It’s surrounded by vineyards that produce their wines which everyone raves about (and you’ll get well acquainted with them over dinner) the Basque and Menorcan menu changes according to what’s in season but you’ll eat dishes like creamy prawn rice PlayUnmuteChiringuito Es Bruc Playa San Adeodato Urbanización Sant Tomás Sant Tomás Once you’re drizzling lemon over barbecued sardines you’ll get the fuss everyone has been making over Es Bruc since it opened in the ’50s It’s located right on the beach in Sant Tomàs and there's another outpost in Cala Santandria Many other chiringuitos tend to be lunch-only affairs but you can get late breakfast here from around 10am walking routes weave out by the water to hidden coves such as Cala Escorxada which makes Es Bruc a convenient post-swim/post-hike stop PlayUnmuteCas Sucrer Es Mercadal You’ll almost always spot someone balancing a delicately packed stack of sugar-dusted ensaïmades on flights out of the Balearics spiral-shaped pastries made with pork fat are typical for breakfast across the islands and the inland town of Es Mercadal is known for small bakeries that are devoted to them a popular corner bakery founded back in the 1880s Pick from fillings like chocolate and savory sobrasada or go for a classic angel-hair ensaïmada then head out to the umbrella-shaded terrace to eat them with your morning coffee Ulisses Plaça de la Llibertat so come with a few friends in the evening for a chill round or two of drinks before ordering a bunch of small plates for dinner You’ll find it under the whitewashed arches opposite old-town Ciutadella’s fresh produce market The market is also where the restaurant sources many of its ingredients and everything else comes in on their own fishing boats or from local producers and lobster with fries (an island classic) are all regular favorites check out the on-site wine shop for Balearic vintages to stuff in your suitcases to take home and beachside joints in the Catalan capital Our 25 favorite places to eat in San Sebastián includes pintxos and more things to eat and drink in Mallorca’s capital the Museu Diocesà de Menorca is a hidden gem that beautifully encapsulates the religious Housed in the former convent of Sant Agustí the cloisters and architecture create an atmosphere of quiet reverence making it a perfect place to reflect on the island's past. The museum boasts a diverse array of exhibits that span several centuries But what sets the Museu Diocesà apart is its inclusion of scientific objects alongside the religious artifacts You can find fascinating astronomical instruments These items highlight Menorca's historical engagement with science and learning providing a broader perspective on the island's heritage and artistic achievements of Menorca’s inhabitants through the ages The Museu Diocesà de Menorca is located in the historic center of Ciutadella and there are several parking options nearby if you’re driving but it's always a good idea to check their current opening hours and any special events particularly in the mornings or late afternoons This archipelago homestead-turned-museum has remained the same since its last resident A former church that has been chronicling the Scottish island of Islay's rich history since the 70s conflicts are humanized through soldiers’ personal belongings Dedicated to the history and culture of Japanese fishcake this museum invites you to take part in its kamaboko-making workshop A Victorian synagogue-turned-museum chronicles centuries of Jewish life 19th-century Irish workhouse recounts a grim time in the country’s history A community heritage center on an overlooked island in the Sierra Leone River estuary A museum dedicated to the musical instruments used in traditional Moroccan music uncover a wreck of a ship of the XV century very well preserved and five meters below sea level where Barcelona has made a discovery that seems to be taken from a novel of maritime adventures The ship has already been named “Ciutadella I”, and has been documented by the Arqueòlegs.cat team under the direction of archaeologist Santi Palacios and restorer Delia Eguiluz, in an excavation that began in March 2023. The state of conservation of the ship, although fragile, is exceptional if we take into account the centuries it has spent underground. What has been found is a fragment 10 meters long and more than 3 meters wide, with about thirty quaderns (the ribs of the ship) and seven rows of outer planks. All assembled with wooden pegs and iron nails, following the technique of “skeleton construction” typical of Mediterranean navigation at the time. Along with it, organic remains such as whole pine cones and hazelnut seeds have been found, which could date back to the same period and are now being studied. It is not, in fact, the only finding that has been made in the area.In the corner closest to the metro station of the site, an air raid shelter from the Civil War was also found at the beginning of the excavations, which was documented before continuing with the excavations. The location of the ship is not accidental. Beginning in 1439, with the construction of Barcelona’s first artificial docks, the coast began to transform. The old sand bar known as the Tasca disappeared, and the advance of the beach was covering ancient marine spaces. There, among the sediments, this ship was trapped. It is estimated, in fact, that in the location of the wreck, in a plot at the entrance to the zoo on Wellington Street, there was still sea around the 15th century, so the presence of the ship is not surprising in this sense. However, archaeologists believe that the ship did not sink where it was found, but that it would have sunk offshore and that the tides or storms would have dragged it to where it is now. Now, the team of archaeologists is working to correctly catalog and date the remains while awaiting its future location, which is still unknown. First of all, the site will be dismantled to be moved in pieces to the City Council’s facilities, which will allow the wood to be treated to preserve it as well as possible. This is not the first ship to be found. A few years ago in La Barceloneta the Barceloneta I was found, a ship of Cantabrian origin and from a similar period to the Ciutadella I, but with a different type of construction, the “Atlantic model”. The Ciutadella I, however, is built with the “Mediterranean model”, which allows us to have two clear examples of the main construction styles of the time and gives an idea of the importance of this discovery. SpainChevron CataloniaChevron BarcelonaChevron ChevronChevronPhotosSave this storySaveSave this storySaveReviewed by Gemma AskhamLet’s start big picture Enter through the main Parc de la Ciutadella gates and look for the iron structure on the right. There’s step-free access around the back, and a staff member inside for any questions. All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? That it’s an essential stop for plant-lovers and gardeners is a given. But it’s also a beautiful example of urban conservation done right, and a relaxing—and free—stop-off to sample Parc de la Ciutadella’s expanding focus on natural history and sciences. up-to-the-minute voice in all things travel Condé Nast Traveler is the global citizen’s bible and muse We understand that time is the greatest luxury which is why Condé Nast Traveler mines its network of experts and influencers so that you never waste a meal or a hotel stay wherever you are in the world Three Catalan universities are among the 200 best in the world, according to the World University Ranking 2025. The ranking, published by Times Higher Education, is one of the most prestigious in the higher education sector and evaluates nearly 2,100 universities from around the world. The highest Catalan university in the ranking is the University of Barcelona (UB), in 149th place. It is followed by Pompeu Fabra University, in 175th place, and the Autonomous University of Barcelona, in 199th place. The three Catalan universities are also the only three in Spain to make the list. The ranking is led by the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the United States and Harvard University, also in the United States. Compared to the last ranking in 2019, European universities have lost influence, with only 91 of the 200 coming from the EU, eight fewer than in the previous ranking. Barcelona is moving towards a greener and more connected future with a project that will change the heart of Ciutadella Park A new promenade that will link Ciutat Vella with the Vila Olímpica promises to revolutionize urban mobility access to green spaces and the relationship between the surrounding neighborhoods aims to transform the park into a European node of knowledge The new promenade will connect Wellington Street with Paseo de Picasso integrating Ciutadella Park with its surroundings This connection will not only facilitate transit between Ciutat Vella and the Vila Olímpica but will also improve access to the park for thousands of citizens who until now could not enjoy direct access it will promote a civic-cultural axis between Carbonera offering an alternative interior route that complements the seafront The scale of the project is impressive: a 26,000 m² promenade with permeable materials that respect the design of the park and a minimum width of 20 meters The existing monumental trees will not only be preserved ensuring a green and sustainable continuity One of the great advantages of the new access will be the greater integration of the Barcelona Zoo with the rest of the park and the city This emblematic space is undergoing a major transformation sustainability and environmental education for children The Zoo will not only be a place to observe animals but also a center for outreach and experiences that connect visitors with nature The walkway will have an underpass inside the Zoo stairs and vegetation to ensure an accessible and fluid experience and the space dedicated to parking will be reduced but part of a broader strategy: the Citadel of Knowledge This ambitious project seeks to turn the park and its surroundings into an international benchmark for scientific research and dissemination Among the most important milestones are: With an overall investment of 290 million euros it is expected that 80% of the project will be completed by the end of this term and that in a decade it will become a world-class space This project will not only benefit the inhabitants of Barcelona but will also position the city as a European benchmark in sustainability will gain a new meaning by becoming a meeting place for citizens the drafting of the executive project will begin and construction will start in 2026 with an approximate duration of one year The access through Wellington Street is not a new idea This walkway was part of the original design of the park it was removed to make way for the current access to the zoo this historic structuring element will be recovered returning the park to its original essence marks a before and after in the history of the Ciutadella together with the rehabilitation of buildings such as the Umbracle ensure that this emblematic space of Barcelona will continue to be a green lung and a cultural and scientific reference Ciutadella Park will not only gain in accessibility and sustainability but will consolidate its position as a vital hub for research biodiversity and the connection between neighborhoods Barcelona is taking a firm step towards the future Stock images by Depositphotos La venta de la nuda propiedad Copyright © 2022 Salirporbarcelona , All rights Reserved. Created by JEZZ Media Antoni Gaudí’s work has left an indelible mark on Barcelona with iconic monuments such as the Sagrada Família one of his lesser-known creations can be found in an unexpected corner: the Ciutadella Park is home to a hidden gem in plain sight: a gate designed by the young Gaudí Although less imposing than his most famous works the gate at Ciutadella Park is an intriguing example of his ability to fuse art and functionality he was commissioned to design this gate as part of a larger project led by his mentor the master builder Josep Fontserè i Mestres a native of Riudoms and protector of the young architect is one kilometer long and has 132 linking columns and seven gates Three of them are located on Paseo de Picasso three others on Paseo de Pujades and one on Princesa Street The main doors are notable for their nine-meter-high columns accompanied by four-meter-high auxiliary columns These entrances are crowned by chandeliers that were originally lit by gas flames with the war helmet of James I of Aragon and a winged dragon adds a touch of majesty and integrates harmoniously with the design of the gate The construction of the gate was carried out by the foundry “Nueva Vulcano” and the workshops of Marià Rifà i Rumeu editor of “La Ilustració Catalana” and Gaudí’s partner in “La Catalanista” published an engraving of the gate along with a laudatory commentary recognizing the young architect’s paternity in the design sculptures were added to the main gates in 1885 Venanci Vallmitjana was in charge of sculpting the statues of Industry and Commerce His brother Agapit Vallmitjana created the statues of Agriculture and the Navy were a prominent tourist attraction in Barcelona during the 19th century They appeared in city guides and photographic collections of the time besides being one of the most important green lungs of the city is a meeting place for both locals and tourists This space is located in the heart of Barcelona It is a quiet refuge that contrasts with the urban bustle Gaudí’s gate is an element that many visitors overlook the structure of the gate may appear simple but closer inspection reveals the unique details that characterize Gaudí’s style The organic shapes that decorate the structure are a reflection of his constant inspiration from nature The curved lines and plant motifs blend perfectly with the natural surroundings of the park demonstrating the architect’s mastery in the use of wrought iron Gaudí used this material in several of his works giving it sinuous shapes that mimic the growth of plants and other organic forms Although this gate does not enjoy the fame of the Sagrada Família or Casa Batlló it represents a fundamental piece in Gaudí’s career It is a clear example of his ability to elevate the everyday to the category of art For those who wish to learn more about the legacy of this architectural genius While many tourists flock to nearby Ibiza for its nightlife or Mallorca for its coastline lesser-known island of the mighty Balearic archipelago The Curious Pear discover life in the slow lane on a trip to the island Hydra • Menorca • Venice • Nevis • Greenland • Fogo Island Get your weekly dose of armchair travelling The "Glorieta de la Transexual Sonia" commemorates the gender-related murder of Sonia Rescalvo in 1991 when she was beaten up by a group of neo-Nazis Anyone from Barcelona has a memory associated with Ciutadella Park Strolling through the park as a child to go for a boat ride on the lake or running around in front of the monumental fountain are scenes in which most of us can see ourselves represented On these walks we have all seen that modernist gazebo that stands in front of the monumental fountain a space reminiscent of a French garden where today we often see dance groups practicing their steps or collective yoga and pilates sessions held in the shade of the roof of this gazebo but perhaps few of us have stopped to look at the commemorative plaque installed in front of it which reveals that the structure where the salsa groups dance today is called “Glorieta de la Transexual Sonia” and holds a history of violence and discrimination that deserves to be remembered Sonia Rescalvo was sleeping with her partner Dori at the Glorieta de la Música in Ciutadella Park so called because it was originally used to host the municipal music band served in the early nineties as an occasional shelter for homeless people and was also a regular meeting place for homosexuals and transsexuals of which there are hardly any spotlights in an erotic magazine Lib where she is interviewed along with other trans people (among them Bibiaba Andersen) in 1978 where she was a dancer in some theaters and cabarets of the Avenida Paralelo and a stripper in various locals of the city during her last years in the city she had fallen into destitution and perhaps into drug addiction as well and that was the reason why she spent her nights at the Glorieta de la Música while she was sleeping in that traffic circle with her friend Dori a group of neo-Nazis who had gone out hunting would beat up three women in the area Sonia’s murder was the first to be taken on by the Mossos d’Esquadra who were still being deployed as police in Catalonia and was also considered the first to be classified as a hate crime although this type of aggravating circumstance did not yet exist in the Penal Code The neo-Nazis Héctor López Frutos together with his brother Isa and Pere Alsina Andrés Pascual and Oliver Sánchez were arrested and convicted for the murder The murder of Sonia Rescalvo was a turning point for the struggles of the collective which began to be more visible and to be treated with more sensitivity in the media In 1993 the Coordinadora de Frentes de Liberación Homosexual del Estado Español placed a commemorative plaque at the site with the placement of the Monument in memory of the repressed gays lesbians and transsexuals and in 2013 the space was renamed the traffic circle as “Glorieta de la Transsexual Sònia” placing a visible sign that is the one that can be seen today and that reminds the people of Barcelona who walk through the park that the struggles never end and that we must keep the memory alive so that hatred is not reproduced again a real gem to know the other side of the history of Barcelona The TimesDriving along narrow dirt lanes between the high dry-stone walls that separate the yellowing fields south of Ciutadella we come to a halt before a gnarled wooden gate it’s made in the traditional way by splitting wind-bent wild olive branches and prising them apart like a Cheesestring with the matching halves forming the crossbars on either side of the gate Beside it is a discreet post and intercom — I give my name and the gates swing smoothly apart welcoming us onto a long driveway through sun-baked fields a beguiling boutique hotel whose 200 acres of centuries-old farmland nudge down to the craggy southwest coast Dotted across it are strange stone structures domed 19th-century barracas used to shelter animals from the wind feather-shaped cypress trees and prickly pear cacti with their ping-pong paddle-shaped leaves and spiky fruit The Madera family have devoted themselves to buying endangered wrecks of historic buildingsAs timeless and somnolent as this rugged estate appears it is in fact one of the slickest places to stay in the Balearics right now Ever since the opening of the Hauser & Wirth gallery in 2021 on a private island beside the port capital Mahon which rubber-stamped the destination for a certain arty boho crowd Menorca has become the fashionable island of choice over Mallorca Adding to the smattering of stylish places to stay is this first hotel from the Vestige Collection to be followed by two more small boutique hotels on the island — which I’m also here to see — that will open next spring Vestige is a Spanish group created by Maria Obdulia Fernández and her family who made a multi-million pound fortune with a chain of private hospitals Rather than spend their wealth on superyachts and ski chalets the family have devoted themselves to buying endangered wrecks of historic buildings So far the the Vestige Collection has bought 25 Spanish properties to restore — tumbledown mansions Cala Macarella is often called Menorca’s finest beach for its horseshoe of white sand and turquoise waterALAMYThe idea of turning them into viable business ventures seems to have been rather secondary but after one of their four daughters suggested hospitality and there are plans for 12 hotels and 13 holiday homes in all though the family show no sign of stopping shopping Son Vell always held the promise of becoming a beautiful hotel The original 15th-century building was reshaped into an Italianate Palladian-style mansion in the late-1700s by an aristocratic farmer with a double row of arches above buttery sandstone walls • 24 close-to-home spots perfect for late summer sun At check-in our children are handed beading glasses of iced orange and lemon laced with rosemary syrup while my partner and I do the form signing Then we nosey into the various glamorous lounges curvaceous sofas (designed by the family’s Vestige Estudio studio) and shelves of design books A glass cabinet displays a magazine spread picturing the Spanish supermodel Blanca Padilla who recently booked out the whole place for her wedding Livestock and farm hands would once have occupied the ground level and the upper loft space would’ve been for storage and drying hams and cheeses and yet the homely proportions of the spaces with terracotta tile floors (some original I would come for the gardens alone — all are luscious and full of wild olive trees banana leaf palms and bright red hibiscus and Indian shot with lawns as springy as if underlaid with sponge All water comes from the site’s ground source and the only air con is an effective and sustainable geothermal system that pumps cool water beneath the floors One of Son Vell’s barsGABRIELE MEROLLIEverywhere are very tall palms — historically planted to indicate wealth they were swaying standard bearers waving condescendingly at the rest of the island These days there are more explicit signs of the big budgets behind the operation: abstract art from drawer handles to heavy-bottomed drinking glasses The five most traditional rooms are inside the mansion magnificently decorated with urns of olive branches against calming colours and a few cool contemporary pieces of furniture to add oomph to the classical backdrop Our family suite on the top floor under the eaves has an enormous wall-hanging resembling a medieval tapestry (actually the hunting scene has been painted on to fabric) and a phenomenal black and white striped round table Son Vell is a hotel built for lazingGABRIELE MEROLLIThe rest of the rooms (there are 33 in total) are in single-storey converted outbuildings and have tasteful decor milky stucco walls and the most amazing showers in sunken bath-sized stone cubicles with high glass ceilings Their private gardens have outdoor showers too Construction in rural areas is extremely restricted in Menorca a Unesco biosphere reserve since 1993 — unlike in its Balearic neighbours Only the renovation of pre-existing buildings is allowed I’m told another hotel on the island flouted them and installed plunge pools only to be forced to remove them The family established their own design and architectural studio whose 57 staff are tasked with everything from renovations and designing furniture to overseeing a warehouse of treasures snaffled at auctions art fairs and Madrid’s huge Sunday flea market for use in later projects — they need a fair bit as they aim to open a property a year from now on • The secret Spanish isles so beautiful you need a ticket to visit And without the normal budgeting restrictions The bath in our open-plan room (which has an adjoining en suite twin) is so huge it has steps down into it and practically needs a lifeguard — four of us fit comfortably (two of us sipping champagne) One of the hotel’s swimming poolsMANOLO BARROThe actual pools are even more special one a long lozenge in the lush palm-fronded gardens humongous stone trough of fresh water that is signposted as an “irrigation reservoir” no matter that the great expanse is surrounded by sunloungers and daybeds with a bar and a little table of neatly folded green towels … it is definitely not allowed to be a swimming pool (though who knows what guests get up to when no one’s looking) down an arrow-straight farm track that runs straight from the hotel’s rear terrace We borrow some of the hotel’s mountain bikes with panniers that our two bike-fitting assistants fill with flasks of icy filtered water striking out between the grand gateposts along the track until we reach the coast and the bumpy Cami de Cavalls This 115-mile path encircles the entire island and was created in the 14th century for mounted soldiers to patrol for marauding pirates of which there were many between the 9th and 16th centuries we snorkel above silvery fish that hang in the water like those on a children’s mobile One of the hotel’s bathroomsGABRIELE MEROLLIAnother day I run further along the Cami de Cavalls’ wave-crashed cliffs each with their own personality — some with natural platforms to jump from a super-wide sweep where teenagers play volleyball in the water often called Menorca’s finest beach for its horseshoe of white sand and turquoise water so being able to cycle or walk (or run) from Son Vell is a bonus for private access to the beach — it sleeps 12 with the same terracotta floors and calm-swish decor (three nights’ self-catering from £7,300) where soft snoring emits from the poolside daybeds as trays of cocktails go by but there are many other gorgeous time-fillers available from speedboat tours of coves and Jeep safaris to some of the island’s 1,586 prehistoric talayotic sites — squat pyramidal towers like mini Mayan temples — that are unique to Menorca and Mallorca workouts in a well-equipped sheltered outdoor gym and horse riding from the estate’s stables A guitarist plays during dinner at the outdoor restaurant The meal is all light deliciousness: prawn tartare with green salad foam and pineapple (£28) warm artichoke salad (£28) and stuffed lamb with smoked carrot and peach (£30) especially the black rice with red shrimp and squid tofu toast and homemade cakes topped with flower petals For our second night we’re given a proposal: dinner in the night garden nothing to do with Iggle Piggle and the irksome Tombliboos but dining à deux at a table hidden amid the flowers and herbs of a garden designed for its fragrances at dusk While the kids relish their first time ordering room service local fish with asparagus and a white chocolate rose to crack and drizzle with citrus we can’t resist a night on the tiles — not dancing but scoffing at the old fish market at Ulisses a very cool tapas joint tiled in alternating green and white (ulissesbar.com) This pretty city’s paintbox alleys hide some excellent boutiques for covetable fashion; I pop into the cathedral next door to ask God for the shoes I’ve seen (@cafecentral.menorca) The Ciutadella de Menorca Cathedral in the historic town centreALAMYThe two other Menorca hotels are still in the dust-and-cement mixers stage with more of those gorgeous stone archways and incredible views Both occupy breezy hillside positions about a mile apart on the same farm estate near the northern coast (about 20 miles north of Son Vell) and are within walking distance of the sea The farming families who have long worked this land will continue artichokes and onions for the hotels’ kitchens who says he is thrilled with the arrangement — that his livelihood have been saved — less so with his son’s decision to leave farming to work at the island’s Pretty Ballerinas shoe factory they want to be more in touch with the land and that airlines will operate direct flights longer especially as more Americans seem to be discovering the island “Menorca is a booming destination right now but I think what’s wanted here is high-end eco-tourism,” he says There’s no better place to experience it than Son Vell This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue Gemma Bowes was a guest of Vestige Collection which has B&B doubles at Son Vell from £385 (vestigecollection.com) this 19th-century finca on the south coast has remained one of the best-designed estates on the island since it opened in 2018 — the theme of the decor is “artist’s home” As well as a palm-tree fringed pool and tropical gardens and extras including barre classes and live electro jazz.Details B&B doubles from £200 (menorcaexperimental.com) the agritourism hotel and winery Torralbenc is an elegant hideaway with lavender-filled gardens that overlook the sea seven-course tasting menu from £253 (€300) for two.Details B&B doubles from £151 (torralbenc.com) olive and pine-tree dotted gardens roll away to the cliff edge at this elegant Relais & Châteaux hotel on the south coast You can relax by the long pool and try to get your head around the fact that it was once a military base Cala Llucalari bay is below it and the 15 luxury suites have their own gardens.Details B&B doubles from £323 (capmenorca.com) Become a subscriber and along with unlimited digital access to The Times and The Sunday Times you can enjoy a collection of travel offers and competitions curated by our trusted travel partners Sign up for our Times Travel newsletter and follow us on Instagram and X Spain – September 2024 – The Salesian work in Ciutadella celebrates its 125th anniversary this year and the Provincial Council of the Mary Help of Christians Province Spain (SMX) has gone to the island of Menorca to carry out its first working session of the new school year there and thus pay tribute to the memory of the first community that arrived in Ciutadella on 26 October 1899 – after more than 14 years of efforts and activities carried out by Fr Federico Pareja and with the firm support of Bishop Castellote intends to continue its educative and pastoral project to offer an educational quality focused on human and Christian values among the various activities carried out on the occasion of the visit went to the Town Hall where they were received by the Mayor of the city and celebrated Mass with the Salesian Family in the shrine on the afternoon of Wednesday 11th they also had the opportunity to visit the city's cathedral ANS - “Agenzia iNfo Salesiana” is a on-line almost daily publication the communication agency of the Salesian Congregation enrolled in the Press Register of the Tibunal of Rome as n 153/2007 This site also uses third-party cookies to improve user experience and for statistical purposes By scrolling through this page or by clicking on any of its elements He's a doctor with a PhD in biochemistry, currently dedicated to scientific journalism. The former Mercat del Peix will be transformed into a research and innovation facility next to the Ciutadella campus of Pompeu Fabra University which was a market for decades and has served as a car park for years a sign sums up and announces its near future: these are the construction works for the new Mercat del Peix research and innovation hub The scheduled completion date is December 2025 but the works are part of a larger scientific and urban planning project known as La Ciutadella Knowledge Hub The initiative takes its name from the adjacent park which is the focal point of the entire project built in the 19th century on the site of a military fortress ordered by Felipe V it hosted the Universal Exposition of 1888 The new facility already encompasses five lines of action and has a budget nearing 300 million euros Alongside the construction of the Mercat del Peix facility the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC)’s Bioscience Hub will be established iconic buildings within the park are undergoing restoration such as the Centre Martorell d’Exposicions and the Hivernacle [Greenhouse] Efforts are underway to give renewed impetus to the zoo’s research activities construction will begin on the State Public Library “If a metropolis like Barcelona aspires to be a global leader and avoid becoming merely a tourist destination director of the initiative for La Ciutadella Knowledge Hub at Pompeu Fabra University (UPF) For the former director general of the Generalitat Government of Catalonia’s Secretariat of Universities and Research the project’s location serves several purposes: “Situated in the heart of Barcelona the area boasts both a scientific ecosystem and services and it also holds historical and symbolic significance: it hosted the Universal Exposition of 1888 The scientific ecosystem is evident in the presence of university campuses such as UPF the University of Barcelona and the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in research centres such as the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) and the Pasqual Maragall Foundation and in research groups from the CSIC and the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) The initiative began in 2019 under the leadership of its main promoters: Barcelona City Council the Generalitat Government of Catalonia and UPF When the foundation stone of the Mercat del Peix facility was laid in January 2023 representatives from all the scientific institutions in the area were also present despite involving different political forces and changes in representatives demonstrate that “agreements can be reached” according to Subirada In the new spaces, the CSIC-UPF Institute of Evolutionary Biology will find its new home Despite being scattered across different locations since its inception it had been “promised its own facilities since 2008” an institution that brings together seven centres of excellence Groups from the Biomedical Research Institute (IRB) the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) the Institut de Ciències Fotòniques (ICFO) and the Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICN2) will either move or be integrated into its new headquarters This expansion will accommodate a growing number of researchers – up to 1,200 will work in the new facility – as well as the available facilities “The spaces are being designed by architects in dialogue with the researchers themselves an agreement was also signed for the construction of a new CSIC Bioscience Hub just a few metres from the Mercat del Peix Up to 300 researchers from about 40 working groups will be located there and it will house the Biomedical Research Institute of Barcelona (IIBB-CSIC) and the Molecular Biology Institute of Barcelona (IBMB-CSIC) which are currently situated at the Hospital Clínic and the Barcelona Science Park Barcelona’s Ciutadella was originally a military fortress built by order of Felipe V after the War of Spanish Succession in 1714 it was replaced by the park that bears its name a public space inspired by the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris it hosted the Barcelona Universal Exposition The new project aims to improve some of its areas and infrastructures and also to restore and enhance part of its heritage some of the historic buildings that were prominent during that Exposition and still stand today It had been closed to the public since 2007 retaining its original appearance and housing over a hundred plant species The Centre Martorell d’Exposicions has also reopened It was once Catalonia’s first public museum inaugurated in 1882 as the Museu de Ciències Naturals de Barcelona [Natural Science Museum of Barcelona] it served as the Geology Museum until it closed to the public in 2010 it has been transformed into a branch of the Museu de Ciències Naturals reimagined as “an exhibition centre that connects science with the public on key societal issues such as climate change a structure housing tropical plants and once used as a dance hall during the 1888 Exposition as will its neighbouring Modernista counterpart The latter served as a café-restaurant during the Exposition and later as a zoology museum until its closure to the public in 2010 new entrances will be opened to enhance accessibility with plans to reinforce its research efforts right next to the Estació França train station the State Public Library will finally be built the library will cover 16,000 square metres making it by far the largest in all of Catalonia it’s about being less fortress-like and more open to the public Subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with Barcelona Metròpolis' new developments The City Council has submitted a project that seeks to open an access from Wellington Street Barcelona continues the transformation of Parc de la Ciutadella with the creation of a new access from Wellington Street that will connect the area with the park through a new dream walkway: a bridge over the zoo This intervention will improve the connection between the Ciutat Vella core the Vila Olímpica and the Til-lers promenade consolidating the park as a more permeable The project is part of the Ciutadella del Coneixement Strategy which seeks to turn this emblematic green lung into a research and dissemination center of reference in Europe The new walkway will recover a historic access designed by Josep Fontserè integrating it into the current layout of the park This new “biodiversity promenade” will be at least 20 meters wide and have a total surface area of 26,000 m² and will extend from Wellington Street to Passeig de Picasso In order to connect the currently open part of the park with Wellington Street the promenade will have to cross a section that is currently occupied by the zoo This will be achieved by opening a new subway access to the zoo on Wellington Street which will be completely integrated into the park and which will force the new “bioversity promenade” to run above the zoo (although always at street level) and from which the zoo can be glimpsed This project will favor the connection between neighborhoods such as Vila Olímpica and will integrate public transport stations such as Ciutadella-Vila Olímpica and the streetcar improving accessibility for thousands of citizens The project will begin this January with the drafting of the executive project the works will be tendered in autumn and will start in the first quarter of 2026 with an estimated duration of one year and a total investment of 13 million euros The Zoo will remain open throughout the project but about ten facilities will be affected and some animals will have to move to the reserve that has been built on the site of the old Aquarama This last project included the recovery of a mythical bridge that is always talked about but never crystallizes: the one that is to connect the Parc de la Ciutadella with the promenade, passing over the train tracks. What's the vibe?In a city of phone-battery-leeching architecture you could easily walk past Motel One’s boxy modern façade without noticing it is a riotous party with geometric textiles and imaginative chandeliers—plus a huge bar that could get you swinging from them Tell us about your room.There’s only one room size (172 square feet), which solves the turmoil of deciding which category to go for. (Try to pick a park, rather than courtyard, view.) Facilities have their priorities right: comfy beds and great shower pressure instead of nice, if unessential, add-ons like minibars. How's the Wi-Fi?Wi-Fi is fast and free, and you can borrow iPads for free. What's the dining and drinking scene like?There’s no food service apart from the breakfast buffet (11.50 euros). Focus, instead, on the bar, which is well-staffed and -stocked, especially with gins. The space hosts live jazz in summer. How did you find the service?Fast, fluid, and quick to say hello. Who stays here?Hear the word “budget” and your brain goes to backpacker. Not here, where the main demographic is 40- and 50-somethings with exploration, not room-rate exploitation, on their minds. How's the neighborhood?The location scores full marks. The park and zoo are directly in front of you; bike rentals are around the corner (and you’re surrounded by cycle lanes); and you’re a six-minute walk from the Arc de Triomf metro station, and only 20 to Las Ramblas and Barceloneta beach. Is there anything you'd change? With a huge ground-floor courtyard and a spacious roof, you can’t help but think they’re missing a trick by not having a pool—even a teeny, dip-your-toes kind of thing. Any standout features?Underground car parking is available for 20 euros a day, which is useful in a city with absolutely no parking. What's the bottom line?A completely average and nondescript hotel in Barcelona can easily set you back 200 euros a night in peak season. Motel One not only undercuts this, it does so with design panache—and a damn good bar. All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission. This menu requires arrow keys to be able to use it The measures include the renovation of the drainage system and paving improvements to the watering and groundwater networks work on 11 of the 14 hectares of greenery and the renovation of the Umbracle building The goal is to improve the resilience of the park against the effects of the climate crisis and make the most of rainwater as well as to preserve the park’s heritage The plan to improve the Parc de la Ciutadella is under way and will be executed in stages in four different areas to keep the gardens open: in Passeig Joaquim de Renart in the Jardins de Josep Fontseré and entrances in Passeig dels Til·lers and in the central section The improvement to the drainage system will help stop puddles forming and make maximum use of rainwater with adjustments to slopes and new wells to collect the filtered water The watering network will also be completely renewed with drip systems extended to most bushes and the consolidation of groundwater with improved tanks including at the main fountain and the large pond The spring at the Picasso monument and five drinking fountains will also be updated Work will be carried out across 11 of the 14 hectares of greenery in the park including changes to some species and additional bushes Stone edging in parterres and tree beds will also be repaired or replaced The renovation of the Umbracle structure will enable it to regain its original appearance The work comes in addition to the updates to two further heritage buildings: the Hivernacle and the Museu Martorell The improvement and renovation of the Parc de la Ciutadella forms part of the strategy for the Ciutadella del Coneixement knowledge hub and will mainly be financed with European Next Generation funds and partly through the Comprehensive Maintenance Plan The work meets the criteria of the Climate Plan yet entirely cut adrift from the world; dwarfed by the immense erotic charge of the sky by a cartwheel of eight winds that landscape mastic trees into polite cleanse its shallow waters and keep the age of convenience at bay Nearly 7,000 miles of dry stone wall shield its cattle and wheat – no fruit trees can grow here Above this Unesco-protected pastoral patchwork whitewashed windmills like sharpened chalk seem to etch the painterly canvas of ever-changing sky Aerial view of Es Bec d’AguilaAndrew UrwinLater this morning it will be a fleet of cumulus clouds racing like schooners towards some distant depth of field Most evenings it is an impressionist work recalling the fires once lit atop watchtowers on the approach of Barbary pirates Ominous purple brushstrokes warn of an annihilating north wind Its name – tramuntana – is also applied to unhinged artistic genius Salvador Dalí was said to have been “touched” by it German artist Hans Hartung came here in 1932 to flee the Cubist-vilifying Nazis He hid out among the booted eagles and red kites on the northeast coast near the tramuntana-teased marshes of S’Albufera des Grau until spread out like shading white bulls in vast pens around the island The Hauser & Wirth galleryAndrew UrwinLunch at Hauser & Wirth’s restaurant, CantinaAndrew UrwinIn 1997 Madrid-born artist Nuria Román moved from LA to an oleander-flagged cottage in Es Castell that sits alone in a teal cove like a fisherwoman contemplating her reflection stone and sky is still a wild revelation,” she tells me from her garden where rocks fly like birds suspended from invisible threads “Everyone and everything is at the mercy of the power of the island.” Román is one of the sculptors who transformed the old Líthica marés – Menorcan limestone – quarry near Ciutadella into a public space that hosts the arts festival Pedra Viva (“Living Stone”) “My gallery in Madrid told me that I had to return to the ‘art world’,” she shrugs “But I just stay here like a stone and people come to me.” 18th-century cottages and shoebox galleries where Ciutadella localsAndrew UrwinBedroom at Cristine BedforAndrew UrwinIt was to this shy artists’ enclave that Chicago-born Rashid Johnson turned to end his Anxious Men painting series on the crushing pressures of modern life; the angry blood-and-black faces on his canvases finally purified to a serene white His exhibition was held last year at the Hauser & Wirth gallery opened in 2021 in the converted outbuildings of the old British naval hospital on the tiny islet of Isla del Rei in Mahón harbour I walk beneath a Louise Bourgeois spider and past a Joan Mirò through Piet Oudolf’s perennial sculpture garden where rare Balearic lizards scale marés walls with the texture of toasted pancakes Afternoon snacks and cake at Es Bec d’AguilaAndrew UrwinTerrace at Son Blanc agriturismoAndrew UrwinLôac It’s not just the global art world that has invaded Menorca’s shores An increasing number of people are hopping east from Ibiza and Mallorca finding that their idea of paradise post-pandemic now matches the Balearics’ unshowy recluse This has raised a few eyebrows: “The Menorquís are very conservative and protective of their island,” says Madrileña lawyer turned potter Blanca Madruga where an arched window to the garden throws a lime glaze of light on her ceramics reimagining an old military base near Cala de Llucalari as Pablo Picasso’s Menorcan home a group of hotels and restaurants co-founded by Frédéric Biousse the bush-clumped landscape before me appears as empty as the sky is a self-sufficient hotel with nearly 300 acres of permaculture “Benoit is very passionate about it,” she says quails scuttling out of grasses tipped with rabbits’ tails Bedroom at Menorca ExperimentalAndrew UrwinOwner Benedicta Linares-Pearce of Es Bec d’AguilaAndrew UrwinBy the dock at Fornells French bulldog Mero is sitting on his favourite lap: that of Menorquí David Coca who resembles a Victorian-era barber with piratical origins He’s been out on the waves since he was eight to the clink of rigging and cutlery outside his restaurant “He stands on the front of his owner’s boat and barks when he sees fish In winter we hunt thrushes and woodcock.” When Coca took the helm of the restaurant he revived traditional Menorcan recipes such as fisherman’s caldereta de langosta “Now the most cultivated people are the most in love with this simple life.” Macarelleta beachAndrew Urwin“Menorcan food should be slow and humble,” says Silvia Anglada at her pioneering slow-food restaurant Es Tast de na Silvia in Ciutadella She stands like a bespectacled priestess performing rites at the altar of an open kitchen beneath the vaulted ceilings of a 16th-century chapel adorning plates of arroz de la tierra (a Menorcan farmer’s grain dish in a broth of boiled shrimp) with wild flowers from the 1704 Menorcan cookbook of Franciscan friar Fra Francesc Roger an unrefined variety dating back to the Talayotics which she sources from family-run farm La Marcona The TimesMost visitors to Menorca are naturally drawn to the Balearic gem by its collection of swoony Yet while much here is centred around the sea the island offers a diverse choice of things to do away from the sand too From mysterious ancient settlements to vying foreign powers who have all left their mark it’s a destination moulded by a unique history waiting to be explored it stands as a paragon of protected natural environments with swathes of untouched natural beauty to discover with fiestas regularly transforming sleepy whitewashed villages into riots of colour and revelry Here’s how to experience this Mediterranean isle to the fullest Dondon and Ahu – The Enlightened Granddaughters Courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth Photo: Damian GriffithsA rich vein of creativity runs through Menorca evidenced in its abundance of homegrown talent as much as those artists drawn to its shores So it’s not by chance that Hauser & Wirth chose the island capital Mahon for their Mediterranean outpost You have to catch a catamaran for the short journey to Illa del Rei a harbour islet that once served as an 18th-century military hospital base Today you can see exhibitions by top international artists and immerse yourself in this wonderful island-within-an-island slice of arty heaven You can stroll around landscaped sculpture gardens and explore a Piet Oudolf-designed garden of native plantings The facility is supported by a fantastic “sea bistro” cantina and tastefully stocked gallery shop Cova de s’AiguaGETTY IMAGESMenorca’s limestone scenery extends below ground at Cova de s’Aigua a cavern filled with whimsical shapes carved by the erosive power of water over many millennia this natural wonder has impressive dimensions and is home to stalactites stalagmites and a tidal lake that’s typified by extraordinarily blue waters Guided tours (in English) are available on certain days shedding insight into the processes that created this geological marvel • Discover our full guide to Spain The Museu de MenorcaALAMYFor a deep dive into the island’s history — or just for something to do indoors on a rainy or too-hot summer’s day — pop into the Museu de Menorca in the heart of Mahon it’s filled with archaeological and artistic artefacts that tell the story of the island’s people from prehistory to the present day The setting is remarkable too: and with its mix of baroque and classical elements A taula at Torralba d’en SalortGETTY IMAGESWith more than 1,500 sites spread across the island’s relatively modest proportions Menorca is practically an open-air Iron Age museum This is thanks to the Talayotic civilisation that thrived on the island more than 3,000 years ago You can find their impressive stone structures (which are unique to Menorca) all over the island the mighty megalithic taulas and talayots that gained world heritage site recognition in 2023 Among the best are Torralba d’en Salort and Trepuco Harvest at Binifadet vineyardALAMYWhile Menorca’s original wine industry fell foul of the phylloxera virus in the 19th century this ancient tradition has been reinvigorated in recent years several offer the chance to tour or taste their offerings Bodegas Binifadet is one of the best organised with an hour-long guided tour among the vines and through the winemaking process It’s then into the tasting room to try out three of their finest wines Or try the organic vineyard at Hotel Torralbenc whose guests stay in the middle of 40 acres of neatly planted vines A statue at the summit of Monte ToroALAMYLittle of Menorca’s landscape rises higher than rolling hills but in the centre its highest peak climbs to more than 350m Monte Toro is also considered Menorca’s spiritual heart and has been a pilgrimage site for hundreds of years A 17th-century monastery (complete with restaurant) still dominates its summit starting from the pretty market town of Es Mercadal you can hike to the top in less than an hour Views from Monte Toro are truly breathtaking with panoramas of almost the entire island Menorca has long had a strong equine tradition and even its own indigenous breed of horse — the jet-back Cavall Menorqui A horseback tour is certainly one of the loveliest ways to explore the island clopping through quiet rural roads and pine-forest trails that open up to unspoiled beaches There’s something particularly magical about splashing through the shallows on horseback at sunset Tours can last anything from two hours to the whole day plus there’s also the option of short pony rides for younger children Cycling at BinibecaGETTY IMAGESWhile it can’t compete with neighbouring cycling mecca Mallorca Menorca still offers plenty for velo-enthusiasts The two furthest points are less than 35 miles apart but numerous country roads and paths gently criss-cross the island through idyllic landscapes rich in natural beauty More than 20 signposted routes are specially geared towards cyclists while the famed Cami de Cavalls provides rugged coastal trails for mountain bikers Serious pedal-heads can also sign up for the Volta Cicloturista Internacional a Menorca a two-stage autumn road race covering 101 miles the Norte de Menorca marine reserve is one of just a handful of pristine coastal swathes in the Mediterranean This makes it a paradise for scuba enthusiasts thriving coral reefs and excellent visibility as well as experience some impressive rock formations a few even offer the chance of coming across the remains of an ancient shipwreck Plaça de la Catedral in CiutadellaOnce the island’s capital Ciutadella could hardly be further from the present-day one — both geographically and aesthetically It’s positioned on the far western side of Menorca with a small natural harbour that connects directly to its medieval town centre Losing yourself among its beguiling maze of narrow cobbled lanes is a joy to find the splendid 14th-century cathedral on Placa des Born — it’s a wonderful melange of gothic local delis and sandal shops also makes it a top spot for dining and shopping Kayaking at Punta PrimaALAMYOne of the most enjoyable ways to explore the coast of Menorca — and escape the summer crowds — is by kayak it’s no wonder kayaking has become hugely popular here It’s an especially useful form of transport to get to those otherwise hard-to-reach beaches such as the lovely coves on either side of Cala Galdana Kayaking around the island’s north coast marine reserve means discovering some superb hidden caves as well Splash Sur MenorcaALAMYHardly surprising for a family-focused destination Menorca has some of the best water parks in the Balearic Islands You can find them dotted all around the coast You’ll find it on the southeasterly tip of the island packed with everything from a sedate lazy river to the high-velocity Kamikaze water slide while an adult-friendly relaxation zone has loungers and a hydro pool Largely thanks to its biosphere reserve status and clean coastal waters Menorca offers a wealth of marine life like few other places in the Med — including an abundance of dolphins While no tour can guarantee sightings of these friendly creatures You’ll maximise your chances with a full-day boat trip around the island with a professional guide Also keep ’em peeled for sea turtles and — if you’re really lucky — sperm whales which come to the island’s waters to breed Favaritx lighthouseGETTY IMAGESThe Albufera des Grau nature park forms the core of the island’s biosphere reserve and is one of the crowning ecological achievements of the Balearics It’s a fabulously wild swathe of protected lagoon there’s an observation tower with great views over the wetlands and the chance to spot purple gallinules Spot more birds and plants while walking on any of three well-signposted routes with varied destinations such as virgin beaches or the candy-cane Favaritx lighthouse Tours are available via the Rodriguez Femenías Information Centre Street celebrations in MahonALAMYThe biggest natural harbour in the Med together with the island’s strategic position made Mahon a prized naval base — one fought over by empires from the Romans to the French The result is a city with a varied mix of colonial architecture military fortifications and easy-going cosmopolitan culture The winding cobbled lanes are best explored with a guide while getting out onto the water is a great way to take in the whole city Gin lovers should not miss the Xoriguer distillery The quarry at LithicaALAMYAlso known as Pedreres de s’Hostal this former limestone quarry has been transformed into a monumental wonderland of soaring carved rockface It’s a bizarre yet enchanting environment that also hosts regular events including concerts in a dramatic amphitheatre carved out of the stone Its location just outside Ciutadella means a visit can be easily combined with a day exploring the medieval city A cow at Subaida FarmALAMYMenorca’s Mediterranean climate combined with some healthy rainfall and fertile soil creates ideal conditions for crops of all kinds It also means lush pasture for dairy cattle that produce milk for the island’s famous Mahon cheese You can enjoy these at source from any number of agrotourismo hotels on the island or visit an authentic working farm for a tour and tastings plus they make their own cheese and sobrasada sausage Kids particularly enjoy watching the milking that takes place every afternoon Sailing in MenorcaGETTY IMAGESThe only way to explore all the hidden coves and otherwise inaccessible stretches of Menorca’s coast is by boat And to avoid disturbing the island serenity picking a wind-powered vessel will make the experience all the more magical with full-day trips usually incorporating lunch and drinks Traditional Menorcan llauts are also a popular choice and often include a sleeping space allowing for two-day trips that can include exploring Menorca’s uninhabited La Mola fortressALAMYEven if you’re not a military-history buff visiting one of Mahon’s old forts is a fascinating glimpse into the island’s military past Standing on the south side of Mahon harbour’s entrance Fort Marlborough is one of the capital’s two fortresses It was built by the British in the early 18th century and today visitors are treated to siege re-enactments involving special effects and uniformed soldiers North of the harbour mouth is the rather more extravagant Isabel II fortress constructed by the Spanish in the 19th century Highlights here include a labyrinth of underground passageways and superb city-and-sea panoramas Sunset over Cova d’en XoroiALAMYWhile Menorca is certainly not known for its nightlife there is one spot on the island where they’ve taken it to the next level Hewn out of the cliffs just outside the resort town of Cala en Porter Cova d’en Xoroi has carved out a reputation as the finest place to watch the sun setting over the sea You do need to reserve your spot on one of the outside terraces in advance but when the spectacle is over you can head into the disco-grotto for a night of throwing shapes Lobster stew at Es Cranc Pelut restaurant in FornellsGETTY IMAGESFoodies should not leave Menorca before trying the island’s signature dish: caldereta de langosta It’s a rich and flavourful stew featuring the native blue spiny lobster which can only be fished from March to August The north coast fishing village of Fornells is the best place to indulge but there around a dozen restaurants that jostle for the crown of serving the best caldereta A horse rears up during the Sant Marti Festival in Es MercadalALAMYOnce summer kicks in you can expect a festival almost every week somewhere on the island If you’re anywhere near Ciutadella at the end of June be sure to get to the Fiestas of Sant Joan horse showmanship (the jaleo) and general revelry Check out the busy summer festival calendar to see what’s nearby and don’t miss out on quite literally rubbing shoulders with the locals at their most effervescent Cow’s-milk cheese made at Son Mercer de BaixALAMYIf you’re keen to dig deeper into Menorca’s sustainable farming practices and biodiversity management a permaculture tour is the best way to do it This experience focuses on the island’s rustic heartlands with an expert on regenerative agriculture cheese and olive oil tastings will teach how its artisan produce is made The eight-hour tours are completely customisable and accommodate groups of up to seven people quad bikes are perfect for navigating much of the island’s more rugged trails and terrain with expert guides taking you on lesser-known coastal routes and tricky-to-access coves with each bike accommodating one or two riders — usually for the same price Bear in mind that anyone driving will need a valid licence • Best all-inclusive hotels in Menorca Sign up to the Times Travel newsletter for weekly inspiration, advice and deals here your new go-to podcast to spice up your weekday mornings with relevant news and behind-the-scenes from Brussels and beyond From the economy to the climate and the EU's role in world affairs this talk show sheds light on European affairs and the issues that impact on our daily lives as Europeans Tune in to understand the ins and outs of European politics Dare to imagine the future with business and tech visionaries Deep dive conversations with business leaders Euronews Tech Talks goes beyond discussions to explore the impact of new technologies on our lives the podcast provides valuable insights into the intersection of technology and society Europe's water is under increasing pressure floods are taking their toll on our drinking water Join us on a journey around Europe to see why protecting ecosystems matters and to discover some of the best water solutions an animated explainer series and live debate - find out why Water Matters We give you the latest climate facts from the world’s leading source analyse the trends and explain how our planet is changing We meet the experts on the front line of climate change who explore new strategies to mitigate and adapt The arrival of summer marks the beginning of Solstice celebrations on the island of Menorca The festivities feature a local horse breed and see the animals work in unison with their rider or “cavaller” They defy the laws of gravity with “Bots” — moves where the horse stands on its back hinds and lift its front hooves for a few seconds — while taking part in equestrian games the festivities date back to the beginning of the 14th century when every June 23 was marked with a pilgrimage to the Sant Joan de Misa church revellers made their way to the destination by horse and as time passed the event saw locals play games on horseback The investiture of Salvador Illa on August 8 and the return of Carles Puigdemont have pushed the Mossos to cordon off the Zone: this is how it affects you the investitures in the Parliament of Catalonia have been a delicate moment that puts tension for some hours in the areas surrounding the Parc de la Ciutadella the reasons for the tension are multiplied To the August 8 investiture that will place Salvador Illa (PSC) as President of the Generalitat supported by the pro-independence votes of ERC must be added the already confirmed return of Carles Puigdemont the Mossos d’Esquadra have announced an unprecedented security device to shield the access to the Parliament of Catalonia on the morning of August 8 The investiture session of Salvador Illa will begin at 10 a.m in the plenary session of the Parliament of Catalonia the Program of government and will request the confidence of the Plenary the President of the Parliament will suspend the session for an undetermined period of time so that the groups can prepare their responses each group will be represented by a representative for 30 minutes each this process is solved within the same day or the Mossos d’Esquadra will completely close the Parc de la Ciutadella and will establish strict controls at the entrances to ensure the security of the parliamentary session Mobility and traffic inside the park will be prohibited until the end of the investiture debate (around noon on Thursday) no traffic restrictions are expected in the streets surrounding the Parc de la Ciutadella ready to be distributed and to perimeter the accesses anticipating a day of political and social tension The tension around the Parliament has increased due to the call for a demonstration by Vox at 09:30 h in the vicinity of the Parliament to protest against the return of Carles Puigdemont after seven years of exile rallies have also been called by pro-independence organizations(mainly the Assemblea Nacional Catalana (ANC) and the Comitès de Defensa de la República (CDR) which will demonstrate against ERC’s support for the investiture of Salvador Illa at the failed investiture of Carles Puigdemont in January 2018 a group of pro-independence supporters overflowed the police cordon to protest against the decision not to hold the plenary due to the absence of the leader of Junts The five people convicted of these riots were among the first to benefit from the recently approved amnesty law Tornar The exhibition looks at three concepts relating to greenhouses: the past of these buildings their links to art and science and their role in the future of sustainable food Its aim now is to be part of Barcelona’s commitment to climate neutrality by 2030, and it is affirming this with the exhibition Climate machine, which is showing in the three rooms in the Hivernacle making it a space for learning about the climate emergency and the challenges cities face in dealing with the future climate The Municipal Institute of Parks and Gardens is the promoter of this exhibition that looks at three different concepts relating to greenhouses and the “greenhouse effect” each one in a different room in the Hivernacle:the past of greenhouses and the future role these installations might play in producing more sustainable food The Sala Magnòlies invites us to explore two parallel histories: the history of the Ciutadella’s Hivernacle and the evolution of greenhouses around the world over time With regard to the Ciutadella’s Hivernacle the exhibition looks back at the initial project designed by Josep Fontserè and the cultural activities the centre has hosted In the Central room the exhibition brings together art and science to talk about the climate emergency we are currently experiencing In collaboration with the artists’ collective Cube.bz and musician Pol Clusella a light and sound installation has been designed which challenges visitors and instils in them a feeling of discomfort which at the same time is useful for triggering them to act to bring about change In this room there is also a question and answer challenge on the greenhouse effect and climate change the Sala Picasso is dedicated to the future of greenhouses as a means being used by many cities to promote sustainable food reduce transportation costs and reduce water consumption in comparison to traditional agriculture In this room you can see a real-scale vertical allotment designed by The Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia (IAAC) which makes us reflect on and imagine new solutions for the future challenges faced by cities is aimed at people of all ages and admission is free All the graphic information is available in Catalan On 9 June, as part of the activities for the Science Festival, a round table discussion will be held on food production and climate change with the participation of various specialists visitors are also free to visit the Hivernacle building during the usual opening hours It’s all happening in the city’s new science hub, the Ciutadella of Knowledge a science and urban development project that has been launched to turn the Ciutadella Park and the surrounding area into a leading hub of knowledge returns to Parc de la Ciutadella with popular prices from September 20 to 22 now we know the form that will take its annual gastronomic proposal the fair will be installed in the Parc de la Ciutadella from September 20 to 22. Source: BitLab Gastronomia This year’s edition will feature Assalto Bar de Vins Diamond from Sant Boi- this year Casablanca is the guest city at the Festa de la Mercè- which will cook with vegetables from El pagès del Prat The drinks area returns with the collaboration of Barcelona Beer Festival (BBF) and natural wine As a non-alcoholic proposal will be the organic kombucha from Lov Kombucha seasonal artisan ice cream with Delacrem and specialty coffee with the coffee bike from The Milk & Coffee local and seasonal products two dishes at a price of 5 euros each Source: BitLab Gastronomia One more year there will be a market of small producers with Pinullet Queseria Urbana the fair also pursues social sustainability with the recruitment of staff from catering and training schools working with groups at risk of social exclusion In this edition they have the collaboration of Mescladís an entity rooted in the city and a benchmark of social cohesion Maybe you’re interested in: La Mercè 2024 in Barcelona: dates of the festival, concerts, pyromusical… SEARCHThe global authority in superyachting The 24.8 metre motor yacht Ciutadella has been listed for sale by Eric Trupheme at Ocean Independence. two new Volvo Penta D11 engines were installed giving 100 extra horse power to the yacht and reducing her fuel consumption The existing Kohler generator was rebuilt while another new one was installed in the middle of the yacht to reduce vibrations and noise in the owner/guest accommodation during the night fridges and air conditioning systems were also upgraded The large aft deck was efficiently updated following her refit with a large lounge area followed by a dining corner protected by the wheelhouse All of the aft deck is protected by a large Bimini top and this feeling of space is also apparent on the foredeck with an outsized solarium coupled with another lounge corner Her top speed is 23 knots and she boasts a maximum cruising range of 800 nautical miles at 18 knots with power coming from two Volvo Penta D11 diesel engines Lying in Menorca, Spain, Ciutadella is asking €900,000. Latest news, brokerage headlines and yacht exclusives, every weekday SubscribeSign up to our newslettersSign up to BOAT International email newsletters to get the latest superyacht news Boat International Media Ltd © 2008 - 2025 Content presented under the "BOAT Presents" logo is an advertising feature and Boat International Limited has been paid to include this content eschewing the frenetic activity of neighbouring Mallorca But in recent years a flurry of new design-led hotels from countryside farmhouses to palace hideaways in the cities of Mahon and Ciutadella have led to Menorca having something of a moment."},"children":[]}]},{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Artists have long been inspired by the island where the light is clear and the sun piercing from the 18th-century Menorcan painter Pasqual Calbó Caldés to the cubist Hans Hartung who was among the founders of the Grupo Menorca of artists in the 1960s chefs and designers have joined them in 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the time of day the new TRS Ibiza hotel was made for On the roof terrace of this west-facing"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":125})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Sunsets are the time of day the new TRS Ibiza hotel was made for On the roof terrace of this west-facing hotel you get"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":145})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Sunsets are the time of day the new TRS Ibiza hotel was made for On the roof terrace of this west-facing hotel you get front-row seats to watch"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":160})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Sunsets are the time of day the new TRS Ibiza hotel was made for On the roof terrace of this west-facing hotel you get front-row seats to watch the mango sun"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":175})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Sunsets are the time of day the new TRS Ibiza hotel was made for On the roof terrace of this west-facing hotel you get front-row seats to watch the mango sun melt into the"},"children":[]}]}]},"summary({\"maxCharCount\":225})":{"type":"json","json":[{"name":"paragraph","children":[{"name":"text","attributes":{"value":"Sunsets are the time of day the new TRS Ibiza hotel was made for sleep and visit on the emerging star of the BalearicsCala MacarellaMAX BAILEN/GETTY IMAGESSarah GordonSaturday September 02 2023 The TimesMenorca has long been known as the quiet Balearic island have led to Menorca having something of a moment Artists have long been inspired by the island Sailors assigned to guided-missile destroyer USS Farragut (DDG 99) celebrated the birthday of the ship's namesake at a ceremony in the town square of Ciutadella was adopted as a native son of the Spanish island July 12 A statue of the United States Navy's first admiral was erected in Ciutadella in 1970 by the Navy League of the United States Madrid Council and Farragut's birthday has been celebrated ever since This is the first year that one of his namesake ships has visited the island for the ceremony.? "It is an honor to have the Farragut here in Menorca today with us as we celebrate in honor of Adm president of the Navy League of the United States Madrid Council The ceremony started with the Farragut color guard parading the colors jointly with Spanish sailors and Spanish soldiers Remarks were delivered by Navy League representatives the Insular Director of the General Administration of the State ??The ceremony concluded when Quast placed a wreath on a statue of the distinguished admiral in the town square.? Farragut's] legacy with a fifth warship named after him; since the first ship was named in his honor in 1899 only 28 years have passed without an active ship in the U.S Navy named after Admiral Farragut," said Quast during his speech at the ceremony "Strengthening the relationship between our two nations helps us maintain a safe and secure maritime environment We look forward to building stronger friendships and enhancing our longstanding friendship with Spain The day's events also included a ceremony at the Anglo-American Cemetery The multinational color guard opened the event who together laid a wreath at the Tomb of an Unknown Sailor to conclude the event Thirty-four American Sailors are buried in the cemetery Culminating the Farragut birthday celebration was a reception held on board USS Farragut to celebrate the admiral's birthday and thank more than 60 distinguished guests for welcoming the ship and its Sailors to their home.? Farragut is deployed as part of the Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group (CSG) supporting maritime security operations and theater security cooperation efforts in the U.S All you need to make your day-to-day life in the city easier Find the best way to travel and get about in Barcelona All the activities and places that enable you to make the most of your city The Greenhouse (Hivernacle) is one of the jewels of Parc de la Ciutadella A unique site with extraordinary heritage and natural value in Barcelona and a living testimony to the city's history After being closed for a period due to renovations the Greenhouse has once again resumed its main activities: including plants from the botanical collection and spreading knowledge about plant life biodiversity and gardening among the population The Greenhouse in Parc de la Ciutadella is one of the venues in the Ciutadella Heritage and Science Hub along with the Castell dels Tres Dragons (Three Dragons Castle) the Umbracle (shaded area) and the Martorell Museum Constructed 135 years ago by Josep Amargós i Samaranch it was one of the buildings in the 1888 Universal Exposition and is currently protected as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest. It consists of a Modernista-style landscaped area divided into three parts: the Central Area the Magnolias Area and the Picasso Area. It is one of the most outstanding examples of the iron architecture which took root in Barcelona in the late nineteenth century and also stands out for its decorations which have just been recovered and restored to their original splendour. The Greenhouse has reopened to the public after being closed for a long period of time thus meeting citizens’ requests for it to be renovated and restored to its original splendour. This emblematic historical venue has undergone a comprehensive and its reopening once again provides citizens with a historical space devoted to nature and biodiversity and contributes to consolidating the Ciutadella as a European benchmark in knowledge, research and innovation The Greenhouse also has an information point for visitors to Parc de la Ciutadella and by extension, all the city's green spaces as the Greenhouse is a heritage space. Guide dogs Further information Further information Further information More information Guest fumes after security throws her out of hotel ahead of Met Gala Small dog fighting for its life after being mauled in NYC WWII RAF pilot talks about nighttime bombing raid during war President Trump shocks with plan to pay illegal migrants Trump shares why he wants to reopen notorious American prison Security footage shows Lake Tahoe intruder who shot and killed man Trump says Melania thought AI picture of President as Pope was 'cute' 'My wife thought it was cute': Trump speaks on AI-generated Pope pic Stars step out in NYC ahead of the glamorous Met Gala Ana de Armas celebrates her adorable puppy on their birthday Brooke Shields struts her stuff during date night with hubby 'The Shining' twins are unrecognizable 45 years after the film Blue's Clues' Steve Burns talks meager salary from the show Khloe Kardashian shows off pantry full of unhealthy snacks Hugh Jackman and Ella Beatty get a standing ovation at new play 5 Discoveries from Day One of 'Diddy' sex trafficking trial Leeds United fans flood city centre for Championship trophy parade Gregg 'Pop' Popovich passes the torch to new Spurs Head Coach Timothée Chalamet attends F1 Grand Prix in Miami Mike Tirico discusses allergic reaction during Kentucky Derby Awkward moment Caitlin Clark's teammates mock her Iowa homecoming ESPN can't stop zooming in on stunning NHL fan sat behind team bench Breathtaking moment Caitlin Clark repeats iconic 36-foot shot Draymond Green's latest violent act has NBA fans seething Keir Starmer comes to Queen Camilla's rescue with a bottle of water Jenna Ortega mobbed by fans ahead of Met Gala Anna Wintour's neighbor shares BTS look at pre-Met Gala dinner Thylane Blondeau aged FOUR walking runway for Jean Paul Gaultier Mum's £5.5k facelift goes viral after leaving her with 'big bruises' Why thousands are flocking to The Reject Shop Kmart launches their brand new affordable $29 mini travel suitcase Teen reveals side hustle making him five figures a month Map reveals where the out-of-control Soviet spacecraft could crash 'Zombie' volcano dormant for 250,000 years awakens causing panic MailOnline visits Apple's secret testing labs at the Cork campus NASA whistleblower tells DailyMail.com US Air Force has 'flying saucer' Elon Musk's SpaceX conducts static fire test on Starship 35 Urgent warning to all 1.8b iPhone users over dangerous flaws Huge underwater volcano off pacific coast is set to erupt 'any day' Two NASA astronauts perform the 5th-ever all-female spacewalk Cringe moment Jordon Hudson gatecrashes Bill Belichick interview Prince George joins dad Will and King Charles for VE Day tea party Adorable Prince Louis steals the show at VE Day celebrations The adorable moment Princess Charlotte spotted brother Prince George Dave Portnoy vows to 'come for throats' over vile antisemitic act Our dystopian lives in Chinese laptop-making capital of the world Police thwart bomb threat at massive Lady Gaga concert David Beckham celebrates his 50th birthday with three lavish events Prince George meets veterans at Buckingham Palace tea party Trump ups his threats to take Greenland by military force 'My father won't speak to me': Prince Harry's astonishing interview Prince Harry: It's 'impossible' to bring Meghan and kids to UK Charlotte and Louis steal the show at VE Day ceremony Adorable moment Prince Louis imitates Prince George doing his hair William and Kate's children watch VE Day procession in London Undercover Mail reporter exposes Home Office translator's migrant scam Meghan Markle shares rare photo of Harry with Archie and Lilibeth British expat murdered in France filmed dancing care-free with lover Moment terrorism suspect is dragged by Police in Swindon high street Oscar Piastri does celebratory dance after Miami Grand Prix win Terrifying moment wobbling RyanAir flight is forced to abort landing Holly Madison reveals 'disgusting' sex acts with Hugh Hefner The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group Georgie English Foreign News ReporterPublished: Invalid Date THIS is the shocking moment panicked tourists are left scrambling as a huge "meteo-tsunami" rocked up in the holiday hotspot of Menorca slides and parasols were all seen being washed away by the surging water as holidaygoers watched on from dry land clutching to their soaked belongings The freak weather surged onto the port of Ciutadella in Menorca on Wednesday submerging rows of sun loungers under the water At least five large meteo-tsunamis with oscillations over three feet were witnessed, say Spain’s national weather agency Aemet Footage shows tourists running across the beach trying to find higher land as the waves start to crash into the shore The water quickly pushes up the sand dragging in giant inflatable slides and pieces of wood into the sea It comes less than 24-hours after another meteo-tsunami crashed into the shores of Majorca. The sea level rose sharply and flooded parts of Puerto Alcudia, on the northeast coast of the popular holiday island. Ocean waters can be seen swallowing up shore roads as tourists wadded around it to avoid getting drenched. They are triggered by disturbances in air pressure caused by fast-moving weather events and are generated when rapid changes in barometric pressure cause the displacement of a body of water meaning they are triggered by vertical movement on the seabed which can be caused by an earthquake or landslide The difference with a meteo-tsunami is that they are created by the weather rapid change in atmospheric pressure – even by a few millibars – can change the sea surface elevation by a few centimetres This elevation can go unnoticed in deep water, but in shallower water near shorelines, it can cause the sea level to rise significantly, often by several feet. They can reach heights of six feet and more and have been observed in many places around the world a meteo-tsunami devastated several holiday resorts with waves crashing into bars and terraces by the coast in the island's Port Andratx A German dad-of-two died after being swept to sea in Majorca - just hours after the tsunami laid waste to the holiday island's beaches A massive wave - measuring nearly five feet - smashed into Menorca's port city of Ciutadella Yacht owners were filmed desperately trying to stop their boats being washed away The strong current broke the ropes of a historic sailing boat used by the Majorca Island Council - which had to be rescued by sailors and brought back to port as it drifted out to sea One shocking clip showed desperate boat owners battling to keep their yachts from being washed away as the wave pounded a jetty in Port Andratx Most recently, Majorca was battered by torrential rain causing travel chaos as hundreds of holidaymakers were left stranded Runways of the Palma de Mallorca airport were seen submerged underwater as planes were cancelled or diverted due to "zero visibility." Airport bosses halted all operations after the severe flooding turned the airport's runway into a river Pictures showed planes grounded on the swamped tarmac while the airport workers were seen wading through knee-high floods Frustrated travellers were pictured sheltering from the rains inside the airport which welcomes around 30million passengers each year In Murcia, cars became stranded in the sodden streets while garbage bins floated down the road as storms continued into the next day Floods have also hit other holiday hotspots in Costa Blanca, including Benidorm, Valencia and Alicante Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/ This menu requires arrow keys to be able to use it. The menu has up to three levels: The Bogatell – Barceloneta section of the L4 metro line will be out of service from 28 March to 1 April, coinciding with Easter week. Preliminary work will be carried out over these days that will allow for future improvements to accessibility at the Ciutadella – Vila Olímpica station without interrupting service. A special bus service is being laid on while this initial work is carried out. The work entails building a protective cover that will later allow for the installation of three lifts for users to get from the street to the foyer and the platforms, along with improved access to trains with an extension to the platform and the introduction of a route for the blind, with different tactile paving. At present, 93% of the metro network is adapted for people with reduced mobility (152 stations out of 163). A special bus service will cover the route between the affected stations during the metro operating hours, passing every three or four minutes during rush hour. In addition, the 6, 59, H14, H16 and D20 bus lines will cover the section out of service, while the L1 and L2 metro lines can also be used as an alternative for some journeys. so when it came time to shoot her brand’s fall campaign she chose to explore the lesser-known Balearic Island of Menorca “We loved how low-key the island is compared to its larger neighbors,” she adds “Menorca is a design lover’s dream,” Laucht notes—the hotels alone made for perfect backdrops and found that the island’s blissfully empty beaches and flourishing design scene made a strong case for visiting off-season Laucht’s favorite activities were hikes down to secret coves shopping for traditional Menorcan leather sandals in the island’s tiny villages and frequent visits to a favorite seafood stop a travel diary of the fall trip to Menorca Photo: Courtesy of Lucy Laucht1/13Fresh off a transatlantic flight we hiked down a pine-fringed trail to Cala en Turqueta to swim away our jet lag Photo: Courtesy of Lucy Laucht2/13Home for the week—the new Experimental Menorca Hotel with Smith Hotels Each room contains ceramics by British artist Sophie Alda Photo: Courtesy of Lucy Laucht3/13Experimental Menorca Hotel where every corner felt considered and curated Photo: Courtesy of Lucy Laucht4/13The entry space at Experimental Menorca Photo: Courtesy of Lucy Laucht5/13Deserted beaches became the theme for the week: our first location was Cala Binidali, a turquoise cove backed by rocks and a little fisherman’s hut. Reservoir levels are only around 15% of their capacity, prompting curbs on water use by residents, visitors, agriculture and industry Reservoir levels are only around 15% of their capacity I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Tourists arriving at a holiday hotspot this Easter holiday will be met with large signs in English that read: “Drought alert. During your stay, save water” as beach showers are shut and swimming pools left unfilled As the impact of climate change intensifies across southern Europe, Spain’s Mediterranean region of Catalonia, which includes Barcelona, is enduring its worst drought on record. The signs have appeared at city’s airport and at its iconic Sagrada Familia basilica. Reservoir levels are only around 15% of their capacity, prompting curbs on water use by residents, visitors, agriculture and industry. Beach showers are shut and swimming pools cannot be filled with tap water, among other restrictions. Catalan officials have appealed for tourists to act responsibly, but are also adamant the drought should not put them off coming to the Spanish city and region most-visited by foreigners, where tourism accounts for 14.5% of the local economy. “The message from Catalonia’s tourism agency and business department to campsites and hotels is one of calm: (People) can enjoy their holidays here as usual,” said David Mascort, the regional government’s environmental chief. Barcelona’s hotel association warned in February the city could not afford to project an image abroad of hotels with empty pools. Hotels’ lobbying prompted the authorities to relax a total ban on filling pools, allowing desalinated water to be used instead. “Tourists are not scared by the drought and are not aware of it (before arriving),” said the hotel association director Manel Casals. “If we are not careful the image of Barcelona will be impacted (by the drought restrictions) but we are not aware of any negative impact so far. Tourists are still coming.” Tourists visiting Catalan architect Antoni Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia confirmed they had known nothing of the water restrictions before seeing the billboards. “Of course, tourists can expend less water if they are aware of the situation,” Finnish traveller Johan Saltin said. Barcelona’s hotels have halved their water use since 2016, according to a recent hotel association study, though five-star hotels still using the most - 242 litres of water per day on average in 2022 - and all hotels represent 9% of the city’s consumption. Current water restrictions order residents to use only 200 litres per day. Tourism over-saturation is already prompting protests by some Barcelona residents, and the drought may exacerbate the issue. Holding signs that read “Let’s close the faucet to tourism” and “Rivers and aquifers without water, hotels’ pools full”, environmental activists held a protest on Wednesday at Barcelona’s tourism agency, demanding restrictions for the sector. “With the situation we are living, it is indecent that the concern is to (avoid) sending an image of alarm to tourists when the real problem we have is that our territory is drying up,” said protester Josep Sabate. Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/gallery","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"SEI196986604.jpg","description":"A drone view shows a fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona, Spain, March 19, 2024. REUTERS/ Albert Gea","caption":"A drone view shows a fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona, Spain, March 19, 2024 A drone view shows a fountain at Parc de la Ciutadella in Barcelona, Spain, March 19, 2024 Urban Planning and Mobility Area is responsible for providing municipal services linked to the public areas and city services which make life easier for people who live and work in the city. The City Council seeks to ensure a quality public space a green and biodiverse city that is productive and resilient a city committed to active and sustainable mobility with public involvement and commitment Urban Planning and Mobility Area has different instruments as well as advisory and participatory bodies for effective involvement and collaboration in municipal projects with the general public The Council sees to the smooth running of the city services to ensure the daily wellbeing of the public and contribute towards the city's development The Barcelona City Council’s Urban Architecture and Heritage Department has completed the repair of the mammoth's trunk in Ciutadella Park a reinforced concrete pachyderm that symbolises the park and receives numerous daily views Barcelona City Council has completely reconstructed the tip of the trunk and tail restored holes and fissures in the eye sockets and has taken the opportunity to perform a general cleaning of the mammoth sculpture in Ciutadella Park the restorers responsible for the intervention have documented themselves with photographs from different periods of the last century This partial restoration costing €5,263.51 is a city-led initiative by the Urban Architecture and Heritage Department responsible for public art conservation and maintenance in Barcelona The City Council invests 1,140,000 euros annually in maintaining in perfect condition the artistic elements we find in our city’s streets The Board of Natural Sciences of Barcelona is an independent organisation that proposed projects for the scientific facilities of Ciutadella Park this organisation promoted the reconstruction in stone of the great animals of the past to complement the park’s scientific collections following an idea from the priest Norbert Font i Sagué a life-sized mammoth was reproduced in December 1907 This pachyderm from the past was the first reinforced concrete sculpture made in Barcelona The initial idea was to have a series of 12 prehistoric animals the project continued with the construction of new animal models from the past currently found in the Martorell Museum in Ciutadella Park are a testament to the scientific knowledge available at that time The premature death of Norbert Font i Sagués out of the series of 12 prehistoric animals It is thought that the mammoth was chosen to start the project because there were findings indicating that this species had lived near Barcelona and in different parts of Catalonia where remains have been located in Sant Vicenç dels Horts You can watch traditional handmade sandals being painted with tigers turtles or avocados at Abarcas Borras in Ciutadella wander into the airy open studio where the ceramicist Blanca Madruga moulds her textured bowls and pleasing mugs one of the most influential galleries in the world should choose the Balearic island for its newest outpost On Illa del Rei in Mahon’s harbour (it’s the first gallery I’ve visited via ferry) it occupies what were once the storage rooms of the Royal Naval Hospital there it is the earliest surviving hospital of its kind; along with the island itself A project to restore the structure drew the attention of Iwan Wirth and his wife Manuela who saw the potential in the unused spaces opposite the grander Georgian building enticing archways and freshly painted white walls it’s the ideal backdrop for contemporary art And the first exhibition — Masses and Movements by Mark Bradford — feels timely The Californian abstract painter used as a starting point a map dating from 1507 — the first in print to feature the name “America” — for his large-scale with bright red arrows pointing from Africa towards Europe and the UK Local students worked with him on a series of wall-painted murals and they got to stick around all summer once it was done — which can’t have been bad because it’s an intriguing island I skip the tour of the hospital but peer through the windows at bays that have been recreated for visitors — in one rows of beds are lined up side by side; in another Outside are Mediterranean gardens filled with euphorbia and rosemary and we eat beneath silvery olive trees at Cantina which does what I hear one Brit refer to as “ougie bougie” food (for which read pricey there’s a shop selling the local gin and design tomes A guest bedroom at Experimental MenorcaThe gallery has recorded 45,000 visits since opening in July Its arrival has helped to put Menorca in the spotlight a position more associated with other Balearic islands such as Ibiza and Mallorca An artist in Mahon tells me that “we islanders feel a little exposed And it’s not just the gallery: in the past couple of years several enticing places to stay have opened One of them is a hotel near Cala en Porter and is set next to vineyards and a vegetable garden as a former army barracks (conscription in Spain ended as recently as 2002) one of the resort’s nine villas with private pools The other 34 rooms are in the main building a white Palladian finca that was a summer palace before the army took it over a generous pool and a bar serving sangria until sundown A secluded Menorcan beachGETTY IMAGESIt gives off Ibiza vibes and the surrounding countryside is relatively easy to access A 15-minute rocky walk (this is not the place for flip-flops) hooks up with the Cami de Cavalls — a 185km trail that circumnavigates the island — and delivers you to an inlet beach I watch a tiny fishing boat bobbing like a bath toy on the horizon while my husband One morning I even rouse myself for yoga because the large wooden platform amid scrubby terrain overlooks the sea The villa we’re staying in is equally soothing its interior playing with the idea of circular living The curve of the sandy pink bedhead is echoed by an architrave and another sugar-pink arch leads to the bathroom; the lamps are upturned half-moons The marshmallow palette lends itself to the light of the evenings when the beds of pampas grass shimmy and swallows flit I wanted to buy one of the bright blue abstract vases although designer swimwear and jewellery can be found in the (very) boutique shop Guests are French-glamorous and Brits (the sole partiers at least on my visit); one group is here for a work conference (they’re back!) and look sweaty at breakfast in their suits Dinner is Spanish with a dash of Ottolenghi so tomato salad with a sprinkling of pistachio nuts baba ganoush made with courgette rather than aubergine and cuttlefish in a sausage sauce — the food is deliciously piquant and it’s easy to order dish after dish in a gothic-looking burgundy-and-white building with pointed archways where work by Joan Miró is dramatically displayed in black-painted balcony niches Inside is an arresting series by the Madrid painter Pablo Palazuelo screen prints of the Alhambra by the Alicante artist Eusebio Sempere and lithographs by Alexander Calder I am impressed that the vending machine serves olives and breadsticks — the Spanish do things properly On the western tip of the island is elegant In this port city the hotel Can Faustino has opened another wing has 20 rooms — ours has dark navy shutters and a view from the balcony to the serene palm-framed pool and over the cathedral’s tower and domes which have a lemony glow in the soft morning light This was the former palace of the bishop — nice digs which opens to the sky and is painted with trailing leaves and swooping birds; giant photographs with a religious theme line the stairs and there’s a wall of mirrors in basketry frames Dining is beneath olive trees in the garden restaurant at Can Faustino The menu has an emphasis on local meat and The water off Menorca is so clear that you can see your dinner flashing beneath you while you swim — they’ll nibble your toes too as we discover on a boat ride the next day Captain Alberto is the son of a lighthouse keeper and he grew up living in two of the island’s blinking beacons on the cliffs We motor into what’s known as the cathedral cave — fishermen used to keep an icon of the Virgin Mary here — and give thanks that Alberto is so nifty in reverse gear We cruise on to see an elephant-shaped rock at Cala Morell One of the balconies at Can LlorençBack at base in Ciutadella Alberto tells me that the best local ice cream is sold outside the city’s emerald-tiled fish market; it’s buzzing with Spanish families A queue has formed and people are sitting on the pavement drinking wine The calamari and patatas bravas are worth the wait and you get a side order of people-watching free of charge When we go back to the fish market in the morning Ulisses is doling out small glasses of milky coffee to an older crowd It makes you think that retiring here would not be a bad idea — sunshine then sitting out in front of it in the evening At this time of day the cathedral doors are flung open to worshippers and little red Estrella Damm lorries bounce their way along the slender streets You’re well placed in Ciutadella for the north-coast beaches which we find to be less crowded than those in the south Can Faustino has a country club with access to one of the northern beaches — guests can spend the day there for just over £40 which includes a rustic three-course lunch cooked in a wood-fired outdoor oven reached via a 25-minute walk along the coast from the car park behind the beach at Binimel-la — there’s a red sandy stretch strewn with boulders sweeping round towards a rock formation that looks like a Soviet-style raised fist and if you haven’t brought your own picnic (advisable) you can fill up on the way back at Restaurant Binimel-la which has countryside views and familiar menu items that include spaghetti bolognese — I recommend the roasted aubergines try the hike from the built-up Cala Galdana to Cala en Turqueta even if the coves are busy with posers once you get there Look out for the pineapple seller on Cala Macarelleta — he has turned fruit chopping into an art with great strobes of lightning turning the sky into a disco ball The locals tell me that this means October will be glorious — and many of the hotels have extended their seasons to make up for last year Jenny Coad was a guest of Hauser & Wirth (£4 for return ferry, free entry), Experimental Menorca, which has B&B doubles from £170, and Can Faustino The Ciutadella Knowledge Hub begins to take shape with the reopening of the Greenhouse after fifteen months of works Barcelona City Council today presented the strategy to turn the Ciutadella Park into a great research and innovation complex a project that is already becoming a reality with different works underway and with the first piece completed the city of Barcelona today reaffirmed its scientific capital status and its commitment to promoting a scientific and urban planning project that will turn the Ciutadella Park and its surroundings into a leading node of knowledge Mayor Jaume Collboni presented today at the Greenhouse the progress of the Ciutadella Knowledge Hub strategy to consolidate a top-level scientific ecosystem and make it accessible and open to the public This strategy recognises the centrality and history of the park linked to the International Exhibition of 1888 and the innovative vocation and scientific dissemination that it had at that time and to value the assets that exist around the park foundations and companies that offer an engine of transformation through science the existing vocation for research in the area is reinforced by refurbishing different buildings in the park and adapting them to new scientific and informative uses new spaces are being created to facilitate and encourage new scientific and cultural projects in addition to the existing ones All this with the aim of consolidating a top-level scientific ecosystem and making it accessible and open to the public The Ciutadella Knowledge Hub is a project led by Barcelona City Council in collaboration with the Government of Catalonia the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) the Institute of Science and Technology (BIST) and the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) The Ciutadella Knowledge Hub includes five strategic projects with an associated global investment of 290 M€ These are the new research complex in the former Mercat del Peix the construction of a CSIC Biosciences centre on the site of the former State Mobile Park the consolidation of an axis formed by four facilities of high heritage and scientific value the construction of the Central Library of Barcelona and the promotion and reinforcement of the scientific and informative activity of the Zoo The forecast is that 80% of the project will see the light of day this term of office and that in ten years’ time the Ciutadella Knowledge Hub as a whole will be a reality of international dimension that will bring together around 2,000 seekers The Ciutadella Greenhouse is a publicly owned building listed as a Cultural Asset of Local Interest (BCIL) The building was constructed by Josep Amargós i Samaranch 135 years ago the Municipal Institute of Parks and Gardens commissioned a project to finish the rehabilitation of this piece of heritage that had been interrupted on different occasions This work began in September 2022 and lasted 15 months with two main objectives to recover the original image of the Greenhouse and to resolve the pathologies that had appeared over the years During the works it was possible to recover the decorative panels by Alexandre de Riquer which have become the protagonists of this restoration The Greenhouse has also recovered a collection of plants selected on the basis of criteria such as their ability to adapt to greenhouse conditions their history and their botanical interest the new opening hours of the Greenhouse will be from 10 a.m In order to highlight the heritage value of the Greenhouse the new uses planned for the space should promote the dissemination of the natural scientific and historical heritage of the city and some activities will be programmed along these lines Small-format activities related to greenery and biodiversity and it could also become an exhibition space with the same objectives turning it into a space for experimentation and dissemination recovered by the city within the framework of the Ciutadella Knowledge Hub In 2024 the Ciutadella Greenhouse will host the exhibition Climatic Machine a historical review of the Ciutadella Greenhouse that shows the evolution of several greenhouses over time and makes a prospective on a future line the implementation of greenhouses to produce food in consolidated urban areas the lesser-known Balearic island packs real flavour This article was adapted from National Geographic Traveller (UK).Don't miss: Sílvia seems to know exactly what she's doing like an owl silently scanning the fields for fresh morsels it's rich sobrasada sausage and mature Menorcan cheese In the arched pavilion of butchers in Ciutadella and holds it up like a newborn before declaring it the last of the season I amble over in time to hear her make an additional request "She's asked him to keep the liver," my guide says is located down one of Ciutadella's countless ancient side streets beneath a cartoon drawing of a snail — a symbol of Sílvia's dedication to slow food Her aim today is to prove it's possible to create a high-quality menu almost entirely from Menorcan produce she goes about things with her trademark quiet purpose instructing volunteers and occasionally explaining her methods in Spanish Toni — her partner in both business and life — is spreading fig jam onto little bits of bread we just use the beans and throw the husks in the bin," he explains So now we use the skins to make a panna cotta— which will be your dessert." and Sílvia turns her attention to the fish liver This she mixes with not only garlic and parsley toasted almonds and hazelnuts to form the base of a soup but the resulting dish earns nods of approval when we finally sit down to eat The other six courses of our tasting menu fare just as well — from the wondrously dense sobrassada mixed with honey which we're urged to chew well and not just swallow; to the medium-rare Menorcan red cow beef served without seasoning but salted by the gorgeous puddle of local cheese in which it proudly sits presented in the unpromising company of a fennel confit While savoury desserts aren't for everyone I'm surprised just how much I enjoy it More than anything else I've been served this dish really demonstrates Sílvia's complete confidence in her ingredients we say our goodbyes and head back out into the street I lose my bearings and nearly walk off in the wrong direction but then I realise something — it's the first time in five hours Sílvia's not been there to guide me jutting out into one of the world's largest harbours whitewashed Casa Venecia is like a floating mirage — the type of bar that appears out of nowhere offering salvation to the lost and thirsty Outside its rear doors is little jetty that's often used to serve passing speedboats or perhaps a glass of Biniarbolla Licor d'Herbes Dolces — a brand of the herbal liqueur popular across the Balearics "Older Menorcans often drink it in the mornings," says Alfons when the islanders first began producing it for their British occupiers With its windmill logo, Xoriguer is the most famous local brand its gin created in a little distillery in the capital Xoriguer's signature gin uses vine alcohol instead of grain and during a tasting session in the adjoining shop I try Palo a wondrously bitter gin aperitif; a moreish cactus fig gin; and an aniseed-flavoured Glühwein (which I'm told would taste better hot).I'm then handed gin with crushed ice and lemon — a concoction drunk island-wide I'd mix things up — a neat gin in the morning "I personally like drinking shots," he says "I like to sometimes finish lunch with one they make oil using several types of olive including the acebuche — the wild olive tree that also provides the wood used to make the island's distinctive gates Acebuche olives yield a realatively small amount of high quality oil — which is why a tiny bottle of extra virgin sets me back €10 (£8.70) so wondrously warm and spicy that I'd happily have paid more the estate has a guest — locally based chef Patrick James — who's putting its olive oil to good use a familiar creamy mixture is formed — mayonnaise the all-star condiment first invented in Menorca but borrowed and then championed by the French James understands the irony of his role today "You know it's ready," he explains "when the pestle sticks up on its own." He lets his pestle go It sticks up straight — our cue to grab some bread and start dipping Menorca's two best-known gifts to the world are mayonnaise and the director's chair — the former best experienced in local restaurants each one jostling for a space in your suitcase Whether it's virgin flor de sal from the island's salt flats delicious paprika-tinged sobrassada or the wonderfully light ensaïmadas (coiled cakes made with pork fat) there are so many tastes you'll want to bring home But top of my list is Mahón-Menorca cheese mature stuff you'll be crumbling into meals for weeks after you return Mahón-Menorca cheese can be bought all over the island, although if you stay at the hilltop farm hotel Agroturismo Son Vives you'll get to see it being made on site you'll also get to enjoy one of the best breakfasts in the Balearics (with views to match) with return prices starting at £50.50 per person Hotel Torralbenc has rooms from €181.50 (£158.50) a night Follow @glenmutel Published in Issue 2 of National Geographic Traveller Food, out with the September issue of National Geographic Traveller (UK).