Point of interest
Catedral de Santa María (Eivissa)
in Ibiza, Spain
The Gothic cathedral crowning Dalt Vila; its terrace offers one of the best panoramic views over the port and town.
Where it is
At the highest point of the Dalt Vila old town, within the city walls of Ibiza Town.
What it is
The cathedral crowns the skyline of Dalt Vila and, from its forecourt, offers spectacular views over the harbour, the town and the sea. Inside, the nave with its side chapels and the adjoining diocesan museum are the main draws. It is a key stop on any walk through the old town.
History
After the Christian conquest of 1235, the church was built from the 14th century in Catalan Gothic style on the site of the former mosque. In 1782 Pope Pius VI raised Ibiza to a diocese and Santa María became a cathedral; a major Baroque reworking of the interior had been completed shortly before, in 1728. As a result, the building combines a Gothic bell tower with a Baroque nave.