Something you cannot miss when you visit Ibiza is its huge white churches that decorate its entire landscape. If you want to know the history that these wonderful constructions hide. Below I will explain the best route of the white churches of Ibiza and all the secrets they hide.
What is the route of the white churches of Ibiza?
Formerly Ibiza was a strategic point within the highly valued Mediterranean. Because of this, pirate attacks were common on the island. To combat these attacks, its inhabitants built defense towers that still remain and populate the island's coastline. From these structures, the alarm was raised so that all the towns took refuge in and could survive these attacks. The churches, apart from fulfilling their religious function, also served as a refuge. With their thick walls and fortified structure, they were the best place where the town could shelter from different invasions.
Where to start the route of the white churches of Ibiza
Any point is good to start but we will make a route starting at the famous
Hard Rock Hotel Ibiza and heading towards the natural park of Las Salinas.
1 - CHURCH OF SANT FRANCESC DE S'ESTANY
We start our route with one of the most different churches from all the others. Located in one of the most characteristic areas of the island, with the natural park of Las Salinas in the background, this church stands out for being the only one on the island that does not have a cemetery. This is because due to the salinity of its soil it is not suitable for this purpose. As a curiosity we can see that on its facade it has an old shield from Castilla y Leon, despite the fact that Ibiza has never been part of this kingdom.
2 - NUESTRA SEÑORA DEL CARMEN CHURCH
This small church is located in Es Cubells, a small town located near the sea. Modern in style, this church has enviable views. Undoubtedly a mandatory point on our route through the white churches of Ibiza.
3 - CHURCH OF SANTA INÉS
After a long drive we arrived at one of the smallest and most charming towns on the entire island. Santa Inés is made up of a church and a couple of bars surrounded by almond meadows. These flourish during the spring and attract hundreds of residents who celebrate the popular feast of almond trees in bloom.
4 - CHURCH OF SANTA GERTRUDIS
We set out again to discover another key point on our route. Located in the characteristic town of Santa Getrudis, this church stands out from its sisters since it is the only one with polychrome on its facade. A gray stripe at its base and a yellow one at the top make this construction a must-see. Its surroundings are also worthy of admiration since it is located in the center of the town square, where dozens of residents gather daily to stroll and enjoy its bars.
5 - CHURCH OF SAN MIGUEL
We continue with another very characteristic church on our route. This building stands out for having a "T" shaped base unlike the rest of the churches on the island. It is also one of the most fortified and this can be seen in its exterior walls, which only have a few arches through which the main entrance is accessed. As a curiosity we can tell you that in the past the main door was only used by men and women had to use the side door.
6 - CHURCH OF SAN VICENTE
The next point on our route to the white churches of Ibiza is the church of San Vicente. This construction is the most modest of all because it is located in one of the most isolated towns on the entire island. The construction of this church was the longest since it was very difficult to transport the necessary materials to its location. A distinctive feature of this construction is its porch, which is located to the left of the temple instead of the front as usual.
7 - SANTA EULÀRIA CHURCH (PUIG DE MISA)
And we arrived at one of the largest churches on the island. The church of Santa Eulária also known as Puig de misa. This construction suffered numerous pirate attacks and had to be rebuilt and fortified on numerous occasions. In the end they decided to build buildings that surrounded the main building and served as reinforcement to combat the incursions. These constructions were expanded more and more, giving rise to the formation of the town that we know as Santa Eulària.
8 - SANTA MARÍA DE LAS NIEVES CATHEDRAL
This will be the last point on our route. Despite not being a church or following the characteristic white style of these, I think it is a good end point to finish our route. Located in the highest point of the city of Ibiza we find this cathedral. A monumental building that crowns the landscape of the city and in which we can enjoy an architecture that mixes various styles.