Since its opening this spring, Minorca’s Centre for Art and History, “Hernández Sanz”, offers visitors in more than 1000 square meters, history of the 18th and 19th Century. The space pays particular attention to the period of British domination.
The exhibition can be found at Ca n’Oliver, a stately home in the heart of Mahón, a fine example of the power of the bourgeois class, the entrepreneurial spirit and the relish for art and culture which characterised Minorca at that time.
The house was built by Llorenç Oliver at the end of the 19th century, according to the style of the houses of rich merchants who made their fortunes in part by the strategic position of the Island which was coveted by the major naval powers of the time.
One of the finest watchtowers in Mahon, which allowed the watchman to control the arrival of ships, situated at the top of a solid building, the restoration of which has made the most of its small courtyard, awesome and radiant staircase and spacious rooms.
Magnificent frescoes enhance the house, although they are still pending restoration,. They were painted by Sicilian artists Stefano Cotardi and Giuseppe Patania, who recieved a lot of money to not return to work in Minorca, thus ensuring the exclusivity of the art.
So, the decoration of Ca n’Oliver became unique and, actually, together with its historical knowledge, one of the main reasons to visit this hidden treasure in the heart of the city.
