Ciudadela is a city and small port on the west coast of the Spanish island of Menorca, off the eastern coast of Spain in the Mediterranean. Situated at the head of a narrow and shallow arm of the sea, surrounded by flat, arid land. The area contains many stone reminders of the prehistoric people who once occupied Menorca and other islands in the western Mediterranean. The centre of Ciudadela is Plaça d'es Born, site of tourist information. This was the centre of life when the town was known to Jaume I. Back then Ciudadela was completely walled to protect itself from pirate incursions, which were a serious threat from the 13th century on. Much of the present look of this square, and of Ciudadela itself, is thanks to its demotion in 1722, when the capital was transferred to Mahón. For centuries that checked urban development in Ciudadela, and many buildings now stand that might have been torn down to make way for progress.