Dalt Vila, Renaissance fortified quarter in Eivissa, Spain
Dalt Vila is a fortified quarter in Eivissa protected by seven sturdy bastions joined by high stone walls that circle the upper section of the city. Stone-paved streets wind between old buildings, creating a dense network of narrow passages and small squares.
Italian engineers designed the fortifications between 1555 and 1585 to protect against attacks from the Mediterranean. This fortress system was built during a period of intense maritime conflicts in the region.
The Cathedral of Santa Maria sits at the top and shows Gothic details that reflect the spiritual center of daily life here. Around it, homes and narrow streets weave together, showing how people lived and worshipped side by side.
You enter through Portal de ses Taules, where a drawbridge between statues leads directly into the quarter's old streets. The area is walkable but stairs and uneven surfaces are everywhere, so wear comfortable shoes.
The houses themselves are part of the defense system, with thick walls that form the outer fortification and serve a double purpose. This design was a clever way to maximize space inside the walls while maintaining protection.
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