Dalt Villa
Location: Eivissa
Dalt Villa
Description: You’re better off on foot, and wear comfortable shoes while you explore the Dalt Villa and its narrow, winding cobbled streets and magnificent views from the breaks in the high ramparts and the vast terraces at each level – Dalt Villa actually means “Elevated Village”. The dramatic main entrance is up a slope, crossing a drawbridge through the Portal de Ses Taules, flanked by mighty statues made of stone. As you enter into an ancient cobbled stone courtyard you will come upon on the Plaza de Vila or main square.
The other entrance of Dalt Villa, Portal Nou (behind the Plaza del Parque) has a more gradual ascent. Take your time as there’s so much fascinating detail. Notice the local “Ibicencos” who are traditionally clothed in black, untouched by time as they go about their lives in the ancient, Gothic Catalan buildings that overhang the winding streets.
Behind the sturdy wooden doors are spacious stone courtyards and private chapels. The gift shops and art galleries along the path leading up to the cathedral is a treasure trove of unusual and unique handicrafts of talented locals.
There are many first class restaurants in the Dalt Villa – Enjoy candlelit dinners in a medieval castle under the stars – can you imagine anything more romantic?
Looking down from the fortifications by the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Snow, their are some wonderful panoramic views. Look down at the red tiled cupolas of the XVI century church of Santo Domingo. From here you can also spot the statue of General Joaquin Vara de Rey, the “Ibicenco” hero of the Cuban War, standing proudly at the centre of the Main Square which bears his name.
Here is also an archaeological museum in Dalt Villa with many collections from the Carthaginian era. The museum “Museo Puig des Molins” was built the Carthaginian burial grounds- what a sight to see. Ibiza is home to one of the world’s most impressive Roman museum collections, with artefacts on display which have been found on the island.
A room which contained an exit to the outside of the old castle in Ibiza Dalt Villa was discovered in 2002, filled pottery, armaments and other objects used in everyday life from Phoenician times right up to the XIII century.
The room was connected to two towers of the castle during the Moor occupation of the island and was used for the population to retreat into the castle during times of battle. As a way of stopping the attackers following them, it was the custom to fill the room with earth to block the entrance from the outside. It is thought that when the castle was overrun by the invading knights from mainland Spain, this room remained buried with earth and was forgotten until it was discovered just recently. This is one the reasons why all the objects that have been found are in such good condition. It has been helpful of providing archaeologists an insight into Ibiza life during this period.
YOUR NEXT TRIP TO IBIZA
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