{"id":14038,"date":"2014-05-21T09:36:16","date_gmt":"2014-05-21T07:36:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.descobreixmenorca.com\/?page_id=14038"},"modified":"2025-11-27T15:33:51","modified_gmt":"2025-11-27T14:33:51","slug":"fort-marlborough","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.descobreixmenorca.com\/en\/british-menorca\/fort-marlborough\/","title":{"rendered":"Fort Marlborough, the invisible fortification"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Fort
Fort Marlborough \u00a9Fundaci\u00f3 Dest\u00ed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fort Marlborough, the invisible fortification<\/strong><\/h1>\n

A spectacular eighteenth century fortress carved into the rock in perfect condition.<\/h2>\n

The fort<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The fort stands on the southern side of the entrance to Ma\u00f3 harbour<\/strong>, in the cove Cala de Sant Esteve<\/strong>, and was built by the British between 1720 and 1726. It owes its name to Sir John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough, the most prominent British General of the time. Together with Sant Felip Castle<\/strong><\/a> and the Stuart Tower<\/strong>, or En Penjat Tower, its role was to protect the entrance to the port of Ma\u00f3. In 1782 the fort was partially destroyed by the Spanish and had to be rebuilt, with a few modifications, during the last period of British rule (1798-1802). It is a small fort, with a heptagonal central enclosure that was once equipped with several artillery guns for defending against possible enemy attack. The fort was built over a large trench with a counterscarp gallery excavated out of the bedrock. The upper level provides exceptional views over the historic area of Ma\u00f3 harbour, undoubtedly one of the most coveted in the western Mediterranean by foreign powers.<\/p>\n

Nowadays, visitors can experience a re-enactment to take them back to the time when Fort Marlborough was under siege and to describe the history of both Menorca and Europe throughout the upheavals of the 18th century. It includes uniformed soldiers and special technological effects.<\/p>\n

\"Fort
Fort Marlborough \u00a9Fundaci\u00f3 Dest\u00ed<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

How to get there<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\"\"\"\"Cala\u00a0Sant Esteve<\/strong>\u00a0is 5 km from\u00a0Ma\u00f3<\/strong>\u00a0and 2 km from\u00a0Es<\/strong>\u00a0Castell<\/strong>. The car-park at\u00a0Fort Marlborugh<\/strong> is just before you drop down to the cove.<\/p>\n

\"TransportThere is no public transport to\u00a0Cala Sant Esteve<\/strong>. Nevertheless, you can get there by walking the 2 km from\u00a0Es<\/strong> Castell<\/strong>\u00a0after taking one of the regular buses that run from Ma\u00f3.\u00a0Check out bus times and frequencies (that vary according to the season).<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Fort
Fort Marlborough<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Prices and opening times<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Prices<\/strong><\/span>
\n<\/span>\u2022<\/b> Consult prices of the visit to the Fort Marlborough<\/a><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Opening hours<\/b><\/span>
\n\u2022\u00a0<\/b>Consult visiting hours at the Fort Marlborough according to season at this link<\/a><\/p>\n

We recommend you confirm times on the phone<\/strong> (34) 971 368 678<\/p>\n

Nearby sites of interest<\/strong><\/h2>\n

\u2022<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Illa del Rei<\/b>:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Little\u00a0island in the centre of the Ma\u00f3 harbour, between Ma\u00f3 and Es Castell. The island has two very interesting architectural sites: the remains of the Early Christian era basilica and the old military hospital, built by the British, was based here from the 18th century up until the 1960s. Open to visits.\u00a0More information obout Illa del Rei<\/a>.
\n\u2022<\/strong><\/span>\u00a0Saint Philip’s Castle:\u00a0<\/strong><\/span>Remains of what was once one of the most important fortifications in the Mediterranean. Started by the Spanish in 1555 and enlarged by the English during their first period of domination (1708-1756). Charles III, after conquering Menorca in 1782, ordered it to be destroyed. Open to the public. Tel.: 971 362 100.\u00a0More information about Saint Philip’s Castle<\/a>.
\n<\/span>\u2022<\/b><\/span>\u00a0Calesfonts:<\/span>\u00a0<\/b>Old fishing village belonging to\u00a0Es Castell<\/b>, where the old warehouses have been turned into bars and restaurants.<\/p>\n

Map<\/strong><\/h2>\n