We study the Large Magellanic Cloud H ii region N 214C using imaging and spectroscopy obtained at the ESO New Technology Telescope .
On the basis of the highest resolution images so far obtained of the OB association LH 110 , we show that the main exciting source of the H ii region , Sk -71 ^ { \circ } 51 , is in fact a tight cluster of massive stars consisting of at least 6 components in an area \sim 4 ^ { \prime \prime } wide .
Spectroscopic observations allow us to revise the spectral type of the main component ( # 17 ) to O2 V ( ( f* ) ) + OB , a very rare , hot type .
We also classify several other stars associated with N 214C and study the extinction and excitation characteristics of the H ii region .
Moreover , we obtain BVR photometry and astrometry of 2365 stars and from the corresponding color-magnitude diagram study the stellar content of N 214C and the surrounding LH 110 .
Furthermore , we discover a striking compact blob of ionized gas in the outer northern part of N 214C .
A spherical structure of \sim 5 ^ { \prime \prime } in radius ( \sim 1.3 pc ) , it is split into two lobes by absorbing dust running diametrically through its center .
We discuss the possible nature of this object .