Religious Sights in Ibiza — 16 of Our Favourites

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!

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.

The church was commissioned by Bishop Abad y Lasierra. Through several alterations, the façade and the belfry date back to the 19th century and the church bell was made in Barcelona in 1899. The church is quite large and houses a lovely altar alongside several small stained glass images.

It stands out because of its unusually colourful façade, decorated with a grey stripe on the lower level and the belfry and cornice painted in yellow.

The bell tower, however, seems somewhat more elaborate than other churches on the island as it stands within its own turret, rather than the usual flat outline, wooden strut and bell. But as with most churches this one is still in use today. In fact we visited on a public holiday at the beginning of May and could not enter the rather large interior as there was a mass service going on. And considering the quiet time of year and the countryside that surrounds the church the mass seemed extremely busy, a sign that religion is alive and well in Ibiza.

The construction of San Rafael Church began in 1786 when the former small chapel could no longer accommodate the growing community. The church has always been known as San Rafael of the Cross, but in fact does not have any historical bearing. It is because the church sits near Ibiza’s main crossroads and in a very central location on the island.

As it is one of the English speaking churches on the island it can be a popular destination for tourists, foreign residents and for weddings.

The white washed church is typically Ibizan in design and architecture. The interior, however, is a lot less lavish than some of the village churches and contains basic wooden pews and an altar, plus a few small stained glass features.

The exterior is charming and as the area is known for its olive and almond groves you will find several trees planted outside. As it is situated right in the centre at the crossroads you cannot fail to miss it if you are driving through.

Although the charm of this area is that cycling is extremely pleasant on the quiet roads so it is perhaps seen by bike as you take a quick stop!

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. 

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.

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.

It was not only built for religious purposes but also a fortress and dates back to the 14th century. It was added to the 17th century when two chapels were built on both sides of the main altar, one of which is known as the painted chapel, due to the unusual paintings on the walls.

The interior is fittingly more cathedral like than many of the smaller churches on the island and it sees much activity throughout the year, not least on their saints day on 29th of September. The main altar features 3 statues, the middle one of Saint Miguel and he has Saint Rafael at one side and Maria Goretti (a young Italian saint) on the other.

The church is situated centrally in the village with a stunning view point overlooking the south coast of the island. A much loved location for Ibizan locals you will sometimes be lucky enough to come across a traditional wedding here or if you visit on the 15th October you will find them celebrating the Fiesta Payesa Es Cubells.

The gardens next to the church are beautifully landscaped with a few sculptures and pieces of art to enjoy. Once you pass through the gardens you will reach the cliff side where the views are simply magical. Looking down to the turquoise water and along the coastal sea cliffs into the distance, this is certainly one of the best viewpoints of the island.

The Church itself was not open when we visited but for what we hear it is well worth the look inside!

The town of San Carlos itself is certainly one of the prettiest on the island and the immaculate lawns that surround several sides of the church enhance that view. Lush green grass contrasted against the whitewashed building and the, more often than not, blue skies.

The style of this church is very typically Ibizan, with the bell and bell tower matching many others on the island. Considered one of the most elegant in Ibiza, it was built in the 18th century, with elements like the columned porch or the well added later.

This church is fairly large by Ibizan standards and beautifully decorated inside. As with many churches in Ibiza it is still fully functional and can be very busy during mass and on special occasions. It is certainly one of the stand out buildings in San Jose and has quite a presence in the town.

If you happen to be lucky enough to catch a wedding and want to sit and wait for the party to re-appear from the church then why not grab a coffee at the outside terrace across the road...

With only a few restaurants and a pub for company this church is possibly one of the only reasons to visit the village. As with many of the churches on the island this one is white washed, has a large open-fronted vestibule and a traditional style bell tower which features not one, but two bells.

Although it was built in the 18th century the purpose of the church here was purely religious, and not defensive as with many others built around this time. In the interior you will find that the original pulpit has been retained, although is no longer in use.

The blue and gold alter is fairly elaborate for such a small village church and depicts Saint Matthew in the centre with the Virgin Mary and Saint Michael on either side.

The present church was founded in the 17th century as both a church and a fortress to offer protection and refuge to town residents from pirate attacks and other threats. The doors were originally made of iron so they could not burn and if an enemy was approaching the town folk were ready to throw boiling oil from the belfry..

Now solely for religious purposes the church has the set of three crosses (Calvary) that are present in all churches on the Island of Ibiza. Inside the chapel there are still some original pretty painted tiles that decorate the inner walls and many statues and works of art that date back hundreds of years.

The church sits at the top of a small hill and from its courtyard there are lovely views out over the surrounding countryside and down to the coast. It was originally built in 1786, but remained unfinished until 1806 when it was finally blessed. One noticeable feature of the church that makes it stand out on Ibiza, is that it is the only church to face west instead of east.

According to records two different families insisted that the church to be constructed in their land. Finally, after much delay, the problem was fairly solved and the church was built between both lands, facing both land-owners’ homes, hence the west facing aspect.

Following continuous pirate attacks which destroyed much of the church, in the middle of the 16th century, a new fortified church was built with stronger defences which has stood the test of time as it's still there today.

It's a stunning church with whitewashed walls and a domed roof. The attached watch tower also dates back to the 16th century and is thought to be one of the oldest on the Pitiusas Islands.

At some point during the latter part of the 17th century, when pirate attacks became less of a threat, the church was extended and again used a religious building and a focal point during town festivals.