Menorca Day 9: Lithica

Deeper in large.
Back blip

We visited the old capital Ciutadella in the morning, before heading over to see the Lithica quarry and gardens at S'Hostal in the afternoon.

Ciutadella is characterful with winding alleys, cobbled streets, colourful houses, and a curious lack of surveying... We found sculptural fountains, plenty of patterns, shopping arcades, and even stark reminders of Oxford. The harbour is also appealing, both from afar and up close.

Lithica was interesting, although I imagine that the gardens would be rather less desiccated before August... There were lots of pigeons and a few (fleeting glimpses of) kestrels in the quarries. I liked the way that gardens were set in oddly shaped excavations from the landscape. The "Medieval garden" was quite surreal (see extra). The highlight was definitely the peahen; she could jump rather impressively (before, after), and didn't mind posing. They've built a maze/labyrinth out of sandstone blocks in the shallower quarry, and there is a rather dramatic staircase (off limits) in the deeper quarry, as seen in my blip. The old stone-cutting machinery is still on show (large blades, shaping blocks)

Menorca photos can be found on Flickr here.
Day 9 pictures are right from here.