Discover Dalt Vila's History, Cathedral, and Panoramic Views
The Old Town of Ibiza, called Dalt Vila, lies within some of the best-preserved fortification walls in the Mediterranean Sea, dating back to the 16th century. Around 500 years old and still in a very good state of preservation, they were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999 together with the old town they enclose, a place full of history, culture, and traditions.
I will tell you many anecdotes about pirates and privateers. This has been an important and strategic city in the Mediterranean since the ancient times of its first inhabitants, the Phoenicians, who settled here in the 7th century BC. They were great traders and sailors and were defeated by the Romans during the Punic Wars. Over the centuries, a long succession of occupations and invaders, seen as vandals and barbarians, tried to take hold of the precious island, its prosperity, and its abundance, until the Arabs settled here in 902 AD and ruled for 300 years, until 1235, when the Catalan Catholics carried out the Spanish Reconquista under the king of Aragon.
I will take you to the Cathedral at the top of the hill, 600 mts. above sea level, where you will experience breathtaking views of the port and Formentera. You will also see the site of the old castle, find where the museums are located, and pass by beautiful shops, boutiques, and art galleries where you can shop and pick up local products.
There are plenty of surprises and amazing photo opportunities everywhere. You will discover a vast melting pot of civilizations that contributed to the island's rich history, along with ancient buildings from the Middle Ages, architecture, and traditions, and you may well wonder how it is possible that this island is known only for beaches and parties.
