Teatre Principal de Maó

Tiers of boxes curve round the stalls in a horseshoe, the layout Italian theatres built through the 18th century, set down in Maó in 1829 to a design by Giovanni Palagi. The house opened on 15 December that year, which places it among the oldest opera houses in Spain.

Once a year it hosts Opera Week, when singers of the bel canto repertoire, the world of Bellini and Donizetti, come to the island to perform. Outside that week the stage takes concerts too. The building has been restored, and it remains the place where Menorca's cultural life gathers.

• The daytime opening hours are separate from the performance schedule; check show dates on the programme at teatremao.com.
• Cards and contactless payment are accepted.
• There are toilets inside, including a wheelchair-accessible one.
• Children are welcome.
• The tourist information office is about 86 m away in a straight line.

The Principal stands among the streets of Maó's old town, and the last stretch from any stop or car park is on foot. The nearest stop, Pl. del Príncep, is about 297 m away in a straight line; Moll de Ponent, down on the harbour front, is about 394 m.

By car, the nearest public car park charges a fee and lies about 144 m from the theatre. Ses Bruixes, about 232 m away, is private. There is no valet parking.

Best: Opera Week, the annual run of bel canto performances, or any evening with a show on the programme.

Avoid: Sunday and Monday if you want to call in during the day; the listed hours mark both as closed.

The building was made for performance, and the horseshoe of boxes is at its best with the lights down and the seats full.