Placa des Born  Ciutadella

During the Fascist era this square at the heart of Ciutadella was renamed after General Franco, but everyone continued to call it 'es Born'. The word born means parade-ground, and the square was used for jousting contests in earlier times and is still the venue for an equestrian parade during the city's annual festivities in June.

At the centre of the square is an obelisk commemorating those citizens of Ciutadella who were killed or abducted into slavery during the Turkish raid of 1558.  Much of Ciutadella was destroyed, including the alcazar or governor's palace. The crenellated town hall, with its Moorish looking row of palms standing guard, was built in the 19th century on the same site. Peep inside to see the paneled ceilings, portraits of local worthies and the Gothic chamber on the first floor.

Across the square are two 19thcentury palaces, those of the Torre Saura and Salord families, built symmetrically to either side of Carrer Major del Born. Their neoclassical facades are dominated by Italianate loggias; the ground floors facing the square are given over to gift shops and cafes. Nearby is the 19th century theatre, and the adjoining coffee house, Cercle Artistic, with harbor views.