Castell d'Eivissa

The Castell d'Eivissa crowns Dalt Vila, the Upper Town of Ibiza, a hill above the harbour that has been fortified for nearly three thousand years. Dalt Vila is ringed by massive Renaissance walls, with seven pointed bastions and heavy gates, and at the top of the hill stands the castle, beside the cathedral, so that the two together form the skyline that greets ships entering the port. UNESCO declared Dalt Vila a World Heritage Site in 1999, as part of the site Ibiza, Biodiversity and Culture, and the old town is the best-preserved example of a fortified Mediterranean town of the sixteenth century.

The site was settled by the Phoenicians in the seventh century BC, and later by the Carthaginians, the Romans and the Muslims, and each period left its mark on the defences. Following the Christian conquest of the island by the Crown of Aragon in 1235, the castle was rebuilt as the seat of the governor, and over the centuries, it was repeatedly strengthened. In the sixteenth century, King Philip II, alarmed by the Ottoman fleets and by raiders from North Africa, ordered a complete reconstruction of the city's walls, which was carried out by Italian military engineers, and the bastions that you see today date from this effort. The castle itself was adapted for artillery and later used as barracks. Its main buildings include a tower, the Torre del Homenaje, and a block of eighteenth-century barracks, which are partly in ruins.

Because much of the castle is derelict, access is limited, but renovation has made some parts available. The Baluard de Sant Jaume, the Bastion of Saint James, has an exhibition on the military history of the town, with cannons, muskets and swords from the sixteenth to the eighteenth centuries, and some pieces can be touched, which is popular with children. The Baluard de Sant Pere is used for exhibitions. A wall walk lets you follow stretches of the ramparts, with views over the white houses of the old town, the harbour and the sea, and on clear days Formentera can be seen on the horizon. The Portal de ses Taules, the main gate, is a fine entrance, with the coat of arms of Philip II above it.

The climb up through the narrow, steep lanes of Dalt Vila is part of the experience, passing the cathedral and small squares with cafes. The streets are paved with cobbles, so wear sturdy shoes. In summer, the old town is crowded in the evening, and mornings are quieter. The castle area is also home to a Parador hotel.

It suits history lovers, photographers and anyone looking for a break from the beaches. Combine it with the Catedral d'Eivissa. Opening times for the exhibition spaces vary by season, so check beforehand.