The old town of Ibiza, known as “Dalt Vila” (which means “high city” in Ibicenco), is one of the most impressive spots on the island. This city is surrounded by imposing walls that were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1999. Throughout history, Dalt Vila has been the heart of government, commerce, and culture in Ibiza.
Located at the top of Puig de Vila, the walled city is home to some of the island’s most important buildings. Without a doubt, it’s one of the top cultural attractions in Ibiza and a must-visit for every traveler. Inside its walls, you can uncover the traces of the many civilizations that have passed through the island. The unmistakable silhouette of Dalt Vila, crowned by the Ibiza Cathedral, is one of the island’s most iconic symbols.
Strolling through its streets is one of the best experiences you can have on the island. If you let yourself wander, you’ll find old palaces, charming alleys, and stunning viewpoints with views of Formentera.
What to see in Dalt Vila?
As you walk up towards the Cathedral of Dalt Vila, you’ll come across several information panels explaining the history of key points, such as the bastions that defended the city from pirate and barbarian attacks. You’ll also pass by the Ibiza Town Hall, an old Dominican convent with a beautiful viewpoint, and the Cathedral of Santa María de las Nieves, the jewel that crowns the city.
Below, you can find a map with the main points of interest in Dalt Vila. Click on any spot for more information:
Tips for visiting Dalt Vila
I recommend wearing comfortable shoes, as some cobbled streets can be a bit slippery and steep. While you can drive up, access is restricted to residents in the summer. Also, remember to bring a bottle of cold water, especially on hot days. If you plan to dine in the area, it’s best to book a table in advance, especially in the summer or during the Ibiza Medieval Fair (second weekend in May). But the best advice is to get lost in the alleys and enjoy every corner.
History of Dalt Vila
The Dalt Vila walls, as we see them today, were built in the 16th century by order of King Philip II. The king recognized the strategic importance of Ibiza in the Mediterranean and its valuable resources, such as salt, which was highly coveted. At that time, the island was suffering from constant pirate and Ottoman attacks, so it was decided to fortify the city with a solid defensive structure.
The construction of the walls was a long and complex project, led by the Italian architect Giovanni Battista Calvi. Despite challenges, like the lack of building stone, they managed to create one of the best-preserved walled enclosures with bastions in the world. Walking through its streets today is a true journey into the past.
Interestingly, there are no records of attacks on Dalt Vila after the construction of the walls. Although the pirate threat diminished, many believe the fortress-like walls made the city almost impregnable.
The origins of the walls
But the history of Dalt Vila is much older. Although the Phoenicians founded their first settlement in Sa Caleta at the end of the 7th century BC, it wasn’t until the 6th century BC that they moved to the Bay of Ibiza, turning it into the island’s most important population center.
Ibiza maintained good alliances, and after Rome’s victory in the Third Punic War, it became a confederated city of the Empire in the 2nd century BC, protecting it from invasions for centuries.
After the fall of the Roman Empire, the island was conquered by Vandals and Byzantines until the arrival of the Muslims in the 10th century AD, who called it Yebisah and integrated it into the Emirate of Córdoba.
The Muslims built a triple wall enclosure to defend themselves from the Christians, but in 1235, Jaume I, along with the Catalan nobility, decided to conquer Ibiza. According to legend, it was the brother of the Muslim sheikh, seeking revenge for having his wife stolen, who facilitated the invasion by leaving an access point in the walls open. That place is now known as San Ciriaco Street, where you can visit the Chapel of San Ciriaco.
After the Christian conquest, Dalt Vila was repopulated mainly by Catalans, who brought their customs and traditions, still preserved today. Some of them are celebrated during the Ibiza Medieval Fair, a festival held every May in the streets of Dalt Vila, where the people of Ibiza relive the history and culture of the Middle Ages.