Panorama taken from the em battlements of the Dalt Vila in Ibiza town on Ibiza. The picture shows some of the stunning views along the coastline of Ibiza and over Ibiza harbour taken from the Bastion San Bernardo.

Dalt Vila - Ibiza visitor guide showing a virtual tour of 'Dalt Vila' linked to an interactive map with local and travel information. 360° panoramas from Balearic Islands.

Dalt Vila (Upper Town) is the old, fortified part of Ibiza (Eivissa) town. As an island, Ibiza has been settled since Phoenician times who moved their settlement in sa Caleta to found 'Ibosim' in the 6th century BC, now modern day Ibiza. They chose to settle on Vila hill, which offered good protection from Greek and Roman attack with relatively easy access to the large bay.

The fortifications of Dalt Vila have changed significantly over the centuries as various conquering nations have come and gone. Mallorca and Ibiza were conquered by King Jaime I of Spain in the 13th century and in the 16th century King Felipe II ordered the final strengthening of the walls around Dalt Vila. These are the battlements visible today.

There are five entrances to Dalt Vila from the lower town. The main entrance is Ses Taules Gate, which leads up from the fishermen's district of la Marina. Flanked by copies of Roman statues, visitors pass over a moat through the gate into the narrow passageways lined with old buildings. The main attractions and places of interest inside are:

• Plaça de la Vila - lined with various restaurants and bars.
• Vista Alegre - with stunning panoramic views over the harbour and port.
• Dalt Vila Bastions - descriptive plaques describe the various canon batteries.
• Convent of the Dominicans - now the Town Hall of Ibiza, it hold exhibitions, concerts and performances.
• Cathedral of Santa Maria - built between the 14th and 18th centuries near the highest point of Dalt Vila.
• Cathedral Square - surrounded by the buildings of the Diocesan Museum, Archaeological Museum, Casa de la Curia (Madina Yabisa visitor centre) and Bishops Palace.

Dalt Vila may still have hidden secrets. In 2002 a room containing a hidden exit to Ibiza was discovered. It was full of pottery, armaments & other objects used in everyday life in Dalt Vila from Phoenician times through to the 13th century. It is thought this room would have been used by townsfolk entering Dalt Vila in times of attack. It would then have been filled in with earth and brick to stop attackers following. At some point the existence of the room was forgotten.

Dalt Vila is full of restaurants and cafes, and comes alive at night. In 1999 it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Information Office
Plaza Dalt Vila 3
07800 Ibiza, Spain
Phone: 971 305 524

One of five gates from Eixample district of Ibiza town.