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Eivissa or Ibiza old town is a historical gem to say the least. History abounds, and it was the Phoenicians who landed and developed Eivissa in the mid-7th century BC. Dalt Vila is the upper part of the town and the oldest bit, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. Included in the World Heritage title are the acropolis of Dalt Vila in the old town of Eivissa, the underwater posidonia meadows, which are an essential source for the rich marine biodiversity of the Pitiusas Islands, the Phoenician settlement of Sa Caleta and the Punic necropolis Puig des Molins, location point for the first settlers on Ibiza. There seems to be a little shifting in tourist emphasis across the whole of the Balearics, including Ibiza, towards cultural tourism and taking care to preserve these treasures. Ibiza clubs vs. cultural centre scenario, with a view to obtaining a balance.
Eivissa Old Town sits perched on a rocky promontory, spectacularly looking out to sea. You can easily see why it was such a sort after and strategic spot! There's lots going on in Dalt Vila and you can easily avoid the Ibiza club mayhem if that's not you're bag. Check out the superb Museu d'art Contemporani, and of course 'Our Lady of the Snows' (has a nice ring) Cathedral, one of the most impressive buildings on Ibiza. And oh, what a main square. The Placa de la Vila is crammed with little shops, cafes and restaurants. Superbo people watching territory and hotspot for nicky-nacks!
The Museu d'Art Contemporani has been open for some time in Dalt Vila, since 1971 to be precise. The museum is well worth a look, with a selection of avant garde paintings and sculptures and the internationally noted Ibizagrafic Biennial. There seems to be an artistic style built around this, drawing on a kind of hippie hedonistic approach, waffle waffle.
There are two underground galleries in this building which was once an arsenal within the city walls, or an armory of the 18th century bastion of Sant Joan. Most of the work is by Ibiza artists, so it's a great placed to pick up the vibe of the island, what influences local artists and so forth. You can pick up a painting or two, urr if your very rich!
Museu d'Art Contemporani, C/Ronda Narcis Puget, Tel: 302723, open May-September Tues-Fri from 10am-1.30pm, and 5-8pm. Sat-Sun from 10am-1.30pm. From October to April, Tues-Fri 10am-1pm, 4-6pm, and at weekends 10am-1pm.
You'd expect to find an old castle up high on Dalt Vila, and so you do. Eivissa Castle has seen a few attacks, and all the usual Moors, Christian and pirate stories and influences are there. It's surprisingly intact, and has recently received mucho restoration work.
There's been considerable archeological digging in the area, revealing remains from the Roman, Punic and Vandal eras. There's a selection of Towers on the castle itself, one of which as been a prison, and another a lighthouse. The big one is torre d'Homenatge (Homage Tower) which reaches up out of the former structures from the 13th Century. Access to the castle is via the street of the Universidad de Ibiza (Ibiza University), in Dalt Vila, Eivissa.
The castle looks pretty intact because most of the buildings are fairly recent, dating from the 18th century and the building was used by the army until 1972. There's a fascinating 16th century hall.
Most of the castle buildings are from the 18th Century. The entire site was used by the army until 1972. Currently it is under renovation while archaeological excavation works continue simultaneously. One of its most interesting features is a 16th Century hall with vaulted cross arches. These traces of the past contrast sharply with the look of the approach to the castle which consists of avant-garde stone steps designed by the architect Elias Torres that form a bridge with the wall. Also worthy of mention is the Parque Reina Sofía below the castle, one of the most modern places in the city. Here numerous open air events such as concerts, games and so on are held.
Ibiza yoga is becoming increasingly popular, and there are a number of retreats across Ibiza, most of which offer Yoga day usually with a superb vegetarian meal thrown in!
Check out the Ibiza Yoga web link to the right for information about their retreats. Idyllic and relaxing looking they certainly are, with most bases being very near beaches, serving vegetarian food and with renowned top yoga tutors. For that alternative Ibiza relaxation, Ibiza Yoga has to come tops.
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