The walls of Dalt Vila, as we know them today, were built in the sixteenth century by order of Philip II. He was aware of the importance of Ibiza, both strategic because of its privileged position in the Mediterranean Sea, and because of the value of its resources, especially the salt from Ibiza, which is highly coveted for its multiple uses. At that time, the island was hit by constant attacks by Ottomans and pirates, so the task of protecting the city properly was undertaken.
This was how in a long and complex construction the construction of the walled city known as Dalt Vila was completed, under the direction of the Italian architect Giovanni Battista Calvi. The construction had to solve some problems such as the lack of rock for the construction of the walls, extracted in part from distant places such as Es Freus or Atlantis. Currently, Dalt Vila is one of the walled enclosures with the best preserved bastions in the world, and it is a luxury to walk around and get lost in its streets.
However, it must be said that there is little knowledge of attacks on Dalt Vila after its construction. It is not known if, at the time the work was finished, the attacks were stopped, either by a decrease in the attacks of the pirates in the area or by the expansion of the Ibizan corsairs. Although another point that can remain in the air is the impossibility of attacking a citadel like Dalt Vila, apparently impregnable from all its flanks with its great walls of rock.
But the history of the Dalt Vila is much older. Although at the end of the 7th century BC The Phoenicians who arrived in Ibiza founded their first settlement in Sa Caleta (also declared a World Heritage Site), it was not until the 6th century BC. when they moved to the bay of Ibiza, since then the most important population center of the island.
We found up to a total of five access doors to Dalt Vila, although the main and most beautiful invoice is the Portal de ses Taules right next to the Mercat Vell or old market which continues in operation. Once past this door is the Patio de Armas, where was the first hippie market of the island, and behind this patio is the beautiful Plaza de Vila with small shops and elegant restaurants, from here you can choose different routes to tour Dalt Vila.
The other doors are the Portal Nou, a door located in Parque Reina Sofía; the two doors located in Es Soto, one that takes us behind the cathedral and the other before the Town Hall; and access to vehicles.
It is convenient to wear comfortable shoes; the cobblestones of some streets are slippery and steep. Although it can be accessed by car, in summer the passage is restricted to residents. In summer, when the heat tightens, it is convenient to bring a bottle of fresh water. In most restaurants you must book in advance, especially for dinner.
In Dalt Vila you can also find magical properties that maintain the charm of its history and transfer you to other times. Clear examples of that are Sapphire and Loya, seventeenth century palaces listed by Estela Exclusive Homes.
