
Church and Cloister of Saint Francesc, Mahon
The Church and Cloister of Saint Francesc is an example of Baroque architecture built upon earlier religious foundations, and it remains a living testament to the island’s spiritual and cultural evolution. Over the centuries, the complex’s role has shifted: following the 1835 ecclesiastical confiscations, parts of the convent were repurposed for secular uses, including a nautical school and later as a public library and education center.
Though the present church was completed in 1792, it was constructed on the site of an earlier Gothic temple dating from 1459, formerly known as the Convent of Jesus. The new Baroque church embraced a single-nave plan, incorporating features such as late Gothic rib vaulting, and over time was enriched with side chapels, decorative portals, and murals in grisaille depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis.
One of the highlights is the Cloister of Saint Francesc, part of the former monastic complex. This cloister, particularly its southern wing, once served as a key element of the convent structure and now houses portions of the Museum of Menorca. The cloister preserves its square layout with a central well, designed in a style consistent with 18th-century Baroque architecture.
Though the present church was completed in 1792, it was constructed on the site of an earlier Gothic temple dating from 1459, formerly known as the Convent of Jesus. The new Baroque church embraced a single-nave plan, incorporating features such as late Gothic rib vaulting, and over time was enriched with side chapels, decorative portals, and murals in grisaille depicting scenes from the life of Saint Francis.
One of the highlights is the Cloister of Saint Francesc, part of the former monastic complex. This cloister, particularly its southern wing, once served as a key element of the convent structure and now houses portions of the Museum of Menorca. The cloister preserves its square layout with a central well, designed in a style consistent with 18th-century Baroque architecture.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Mahon. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Church and Cloister of Saint Francesc on Map
Sight Name: Church and Cloister of Saint Francesc
Sight Location: Mahon, Spain (See walking tours in Mahon)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Mahon, Spain (See walking tours in Mahon)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Mahon, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Mahon
Creating your own self-guided walk in Mahon is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Mahon Introduction Walking Tour
Mahón, the capital of Menorca, is a charming port city renowned for its picturesque harbor, historic architecture, and vibrant cultural life. The city boasts one of the largest natural harbors in the Mediterranean, where visitors can enjoy scenic waterfront walks, boat tours, and a variety of restaurants and cafés offering fresh seafood. Mahón’s old town is full of narrow streets,... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles