Religious Sights in Ibiza Town — 5 of Our Favourites

Historically this area has always been a place of worship, as the first religious building in this spot was a temple by the Carthaginians in the 7th century. The cathedral there today was founded in the 14th century, however not completed until the 16th. Inside is a mixture of Catalan Gothic style and later Valencian influences.

The agreement signed in 1234 by Guillermo de Montgrí, Peter of Portugal and Nuno Sanç, future conquerors of the islands, established as one of the first obligations to create a parish dedicated to Saint Mary in the city of Ibiza. This parish became a reality once the conquest was taken on, on 8th August 1235. At first, it was set up in an already existing building, maybe a Muslim mosque readapted to Christian cult.

The current building owes more to the 16th century, becoming a cathedral in the 18th century.

Inside there are many works of art including two Gothic painted panels by Francesc Cornes from the 14th century.

The views of the sea from here are spectacular.

Occupying part of an old Baroque style Dominican monastery, the town hall is now next to the church of Santa Domingo which still remains within the walls. Also confusingly named San Pere Church, it was founded in 1592. Although most of the original decor has worn off, the Baroque frescoes on the ceilings are still impressive. The church is only open for services at the weekend.

The town hall is now situated in what was once the refectory of the monastery. In recent times this building has hosted numerous classical and jazz concerts. 

Constructed in 1947, under the instruction of Antonio Cardona Riera (Bishop of Ibiza between 1959 & 1969) it was built to commemorate and give thanks to the local population for giving sanctuary and a place of hiding to Antonio Cardona Riera, known on the island as Frit, during the Spanish Civil War. The late summer of 1936 saw a period of time during the conflict when Ibiza churches had become a target of hate and were set alight and priests were being killed.

The views from this vantage point are great, looking back over the coast to Ibiza Town and the Dalt Vila. It is a very tranquil place and a beautiful spot to relax away from the crowds. Although you might find yourself crowded by the infamous Ibiza cats!

As with most other churches it is fortified to prevent pirate attack and give the towns people a safe hiding place. As well as being a stronghold this church is also beautiful, the huge thick walls, squat structure and bell tower surrounded by battlements are simple in their construction and whitewashed that perfect Balearic white which contrasts beautifully with the dark wood doors, panelling and beams of the porch ceiling. Walls filled with flower boxes surround the church and make a quiet and green place to have a sit down, as does the large covered porch area, built to shelter many people. This beautiful piece of Ibizan architecture is all the more special for its location in the centre of this unremarkable little town.

The beautiful artwork was done by Valencian artists at the end of the 15th century and consists of over seven main panels and thirteen smaller panels. It was thought to have been of such artistic significance that it was spared damage during the Spanish Civil War.

It has twenty-five different panels. The central one represents the Virgin enthroned nursing Jesus, she is surrounded by images of Saint Peter, Saint Mark, Saint John the Baptist, Saint Francis of Asis, the representation of a saint dressed as a Franciscan and the mass of Saint Gregory. These seven panels, which form the central body, are surrounded by smaller ones, which represent themes such as the Annunciation as well as the Nativity, Resurrection, Ascension, or other saints.