Ibiza was originally a Phoenician-Punic settlement but is now home to important legacy from the many different cultures that populated it. The monumental legacy of the island capital is enhanced by its unique marine ecosystem.
These two remarkable aspects of Ibiza — its biodiversity and its culture— led to its declaration as a World Heritage Site by the United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture (UNESCO).
In 654 B.C. the Carthaginians were the original settlers of ancient Ibosim and, in little more than a century, the city became a strategic colony in the western Mediterranean. The island also formed an important strategic colony during the height of the Roman Empire and was named Yebisah under Muslim rule.
After the conquest of Spain by Christian forces, the island came under the rule of King Jaume I in 1235. In the 16th century, continuous pirate raids led to the construction of a wall to defend the city.
Presently, the capital city is divided into the lower city, or Sa Penya and Dalt Vila, the monumental area located in the higher part of the city; now declared a World Heritage Site. Dalt Vila is surrounded by well preserved walls, built during the time of King Carlos V and which served as a model for walls and fortresses in the New World. Today, the unique vantage point of its bastions provides a panoramic view of the city and the port far below it.
The Portal de ses Taules is the gate to the walled enclosure. Inside remarkable buildings are still preserved. Buildings such as the City Hall, located in the old convent of Predicadores, the church of Santo Domingo and the chapel of Sant Salvador. The cathedral, erected on top of an ancient mosque, was constructed during the 14th century and later remodelled in the 18th century. It is built in austere Gothic style. Sharing the same square as the cathedral, the Episcopal Palace, with its distinguished gateway, is of distinguished appearance. The Castell o Almudaina, the tallest building of the capital, is the possessor of a well preserved Arabic dungeon.
Inside the historic quarter the Archaeological Museum houses a magnificent display of the rich legacy that the city cherishes. This includes a valuable collection of Phoenician and Carthaginian artefacts.
The best way to admire the popular architecture of Ibiza is to walk through the historic quarter's narrow streets until you get to the port area. As you walk, you’ll go through the central boulevard of Vara de Rey and later continue along the port to the Botafoc lighthouse.
In addition to the fishing district in the lower city, another important spot is the necropolis of Es Puig des Molins, also declared part of the World Heritage Site, along with the Phoenician town of Sa Caleta and the Ses Salines Nature Reserve. On this site, more than 4,000 Punic and Roman tombs have been discovered. The figurines of Goddess Tania and the God Baar, are the two main pieces.
Along the shore, numerous terraces and restaurants, where visitors will be able to try the best of Ibiza cuisine are available. At night, the capital unveils its party side, with cafeterias, nightclubs and after-hour clubs with DJs who spin tha night away.
The cuisine of Ibiza combines a wide repertoire of Balearic specialities together with those that are native to the island. Pork products take centre stage, an excellent example being "sobrasada", a spread made with minced meat and cured with spices. Also typical is the "tumbet" (a baked dish with peppers, aubergine and potatoes) and the rice dishes with fish. For dessert, you can choose between the famous "ensaimada" (a spiral-shaped bun, with powdered sugar), the cheese with the label Designation of Origin - Mahón and the frígola of Ibiza, one of the many dessert wines that are produced in the Balearic Isles.
The beaches and coves of Ibiza, such as Figueretes, Es Viver and Talamanca have beautiful golden sands and a magnificent seabed that will dazzle scuba divers, since it houses a great number of Mediterranean native species of flora and fauna which is part of a rich and diverse marine ecosystem. This combination of culture and biodiversity is one of the key factors in the decision of UNESCO in declaring this place a World Heritage Site.
Ibiza was originally a Phoenician-Punic settlement but is now home to important legacy from the many different cultures that populated it. The monumental legacy of the island capital is enhanced by its unique marine ecosystem.
