Almost 3,000 years, Ibiza town has been one of the seven oldest cities in Spain – Numerous archaeological excavations confirm its historical age.
The archaeological findings of the past years within the fortress of Dalt Vila attest to the historical age of the city and place it in the closest circle of the oldest cities of the country.
It has long been known that Ibiza is an ancient city founded by the Phoenicians. According to classical texts, the year 654 BC is considered the founding year. However, only a few people were aware that Ibiza town thus counts as one of the seven oldest cities in Spain.
Research results from archaeologists Benjamí Costa and Ricard Marlasca confirm their position in the ranking together with some Andalusian cities in the group of the oldest human settlements of the country.
Previously, there had been smaller settlements from indigenous groups, but no cities. Taking cities that were never uninhabited or abandoned as a criterion, one finds very few on the Spanish mainland and the Balearic Islands that are as old as Ibiza’s capital with its magnificent fortress Dalt Vila.