Obelisk of Ciutadella

The Obelisk of Ciutadella stands in Plaça des Born, the main square of Ciutadella's old town on Menorca, and is one of the island's most recognizable landmarks. Rising to roughly 22 meters, it can be seen from almost every corner of the square and serves as a natural point of reference for anyone exploring the historic center.

Why was the obelisk placed in this particular square?

Plaça des Born was originally the medieval town's parade ground, a space used for military assemblies and public gatherings for centuries. When the obelisk was erected in 1857, this central location was a deliberate choice — the square had long functioned as the symbolic heart of civic life in Ciutadella, making it the natural place to honor the city's most tragic historical episode with a monument of lasting visibility.

What event does the monument commemorate?

The obelisk was raised in memory of the townspeople who died defending Ciutadella against an Ottoman attack on 9 July 1558. Turkish forces laid siege to the city, eventually capturing and burning it and taking nearly four thousand residents captive to Constantinople. It remains one of the bloodiest chapters in Menorcan history, and the obelisk stands as a lasting tribute to the defenders' resistance, however ultimately unsuccessful it proved to be.

What do the inscriptions on the obelisk say?

Four Latin inscriptions are carved into the monument's base. Roughly translated, they read: "Here we resisted to the death, for religion and homeland, in the year 1558." The wording frames the defenders' struggle not merely as a fight for survival but as a stand for faith and national identity, turning the obelisk into both a memorial to the fallen and a statement of civic resolve.

What does Plaça des Born look like today?

Today the square is a handsome public space framed by elegant townhouses, the town hall, and cafés with outdoor terraces. It functions as a natural meeting point for locals and visitors alike. On Mondays and Fridays, the plaza transforms into a lively open-air market selling handmade jewelry, silverware, pottery, and other local crafts. This contrast — a quiet historic square on most days, a bustling marketplace on others — makes it worth visiting more than once, depending on when you're in town.

How do you get to the obelisk, and what else is nearby?

Plaça des Born sits right in the heart of Ciutadella's old town, within easy walking distance of the cathedral, the harbor, and the main shopping streets of the historic quarter. The obelisk works well as an orientation point for exploring the rest of the city, since most major sights radiate out from the square. It's worth taking a few minutes to look closely at the inscriptions and to photograph the monument against the backdrop of the surrounding period architecture.

Frequently Asked Questions

When was the Obelisk of Ciutadella built? The obelisk was erected in 1857 as a memorial to the defenders of the city who died in 1558.

What historical event does the monument commemorate? It commemorates the defense of Ciutadella against an Ottoman attack on 9 July 1558, which ended with the city's capture and nearly four thousand residents taken captive.

How tall is the obelisk? The monument stands approximately 22 meters tall and dominates the center of Plaça des Born.

Is there anything special happening near the obelisk for visitors? Yes — on Mondays and Fridays, Plaça des Born hosts an open-air market selling crafts, jewelry, and local goods, making those days especially worthwhile for a visit.