Historical heritage

Dalt Vila is the old walled town of Ibiza. Completed in the 16th century, it is a true architectural gem with its imposing ramparts, picturesque streets and historical monuments, such as the cathedral and the castle, making it an unmissable site. In addition, it is possible to experience the medieval festival which is held each year between May 7 and 10 if you go there on these dates. This festival brings, for these few days, a medieval atmosphere and unmissable shows to the old town. The first fortified wall of Ibiza Town was built in the 10th century, when the island was under the rule of al-Andalus (territories of the Iberian Peninsula under Muslim rule between 711 and 1492). However, the reconquest by the Christians in the 13th century led to a growth of the city which absorbed urban constructions and which left as vestiges of the Arab era, only the name of certain parts of the city: Vila de Dalt, Vila d' Emig and Vila d'Avall (or arrabal). In the 16th century, King Philip II, faced with constant attacks from pirates, ordered the construction of a defensive wall which is preserved practically intact today, based on the use of bastions.

The necropolis of Puig des Molins, just a few minutes from Dalt Villa, is a well-known group of burials on the island. This culturally unique site represents exceptional evidence of the social life of Phoenician civilizations whose tombs represent a valuable resource. This necropolis dating from the 6th century BC is one of the most important in Europe. It has more than 3,000 tombs, some of which are richly decorated. Thanks to these sites, we learn about the burial rituals practiced by the Phoenicians (ancient people originating from Phoenicia representing present-day Lebanon). The necropolis contains a true treasure of Phoenician culture. There are amulets , coins, lamps and figurines . These burials teach us the mentalities of the societies that lived on Ibiza in distant Antiquity, their way of understanding death, their beliefs, their fears and their hopes for the afterlife and the funerary behaviors of these inhabitants. The necropolis was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999.

The archaeological site of Sa Caleta dating from the 7th century BC is the oldest in Ibiza. It allows you to discover the first villages built by Phoenician settlers on the island. This archaeological site is located in the village of Sant Josep de sa Talaia. Now, this place has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999 under the name “Ibiza, biodiversity and culture”. Mythical place in the development of metallurgy being the main activity of the Phoenicians of Sa Caleta. Indeed, the excavations also revealed pieces of silver cake, a mineral that was melted to obtain lead and silver.

You can find the history and cultures of the different communities at the San Salvador de la Marina church, an architectural jewel of Ibiza, today housing the Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera. A unique marriage between history and culture, inviting you on a fascinating journey through the ages. The cathedral, defined as it is since 1785, was potentially built in 1506 and 1947, the year of its reconstruction. Its modern architecture is distinguished by a single nave, a barrel vault and side chapels. You can also enjoy the parish festival on August 6 and the feast of Our Lady of Carmel with the procession at sea (blessing of the fishing boats) on July 16 celebrating the faith and local heritage. The museum was created in 1907 thanks to a donation from the Ebusitana Archaeological Society to the State. The museum brings together precious remains tracing the history of Ibiza and Formentera, islands with many secrets. Part of the museum is located in Dalt Vila and Puig des Molins, offering an in-depth exploration of the past of the Pityus Islands. The permanent exhibition unfolds over time, from prehistory to the Christian reconquest via Punic, Roman and Muslim civilizations, through six distinct thematic spaces recreating the atmosphere of bygone eras, thus transporting visitors on an unforgettable time journey.

Natural heritage

The seabed of Ibiza is home to vast meadows of posidonia, a marine plant essential to the ecological balance of the Mediterranean. These meadows provide a habitat for many animal and plant species. 80,000 to 100,000 years old, they have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, uncontrolled boat anchoring, pollution and coastal urbanization have destroyed thousands of square meters of Posidonia, a loss that has serious repercussions on our ecosystem.

The island of Ibiza is a true haven of biodiversity. There are more than 200 species of birds and marine animals, including the monk seal responsible for the transparency of the water in the coves, which has now become an endangered species.

Ibiza is a true treasure that deserves to be protected. The island's UNESCO World Heritage designation is a recognition of its exceptional universal value and a call to preserve it for future generations. Unfortunately, with the development of uncontrolled tourism, the environment and cultural heritage of the island are threatened. Furthermore, climate change is having a negative impact on Ibiza's Posidonia meadows and biodiversity as well as marine and land pollution threatening the island's environment.