It’s curious how capricious history can be, and indeed, beneath the meadows and buildings of this bustling city, lies the city of the dead of Ibiza.
Discover some of the secrets hidden beneath the city of Ibiza, guarded jealously by the necropolis of Puig des Molins. Dalt Vila, teeming with life, contrasts with the city of the dead in Ibiza.
Necropolis of Puig des Molins
The necropolis of Puig des Molins stretches across several hectares beneath part of the city and it is estimated to hold more than 3000 tombs. Various civilizations buried their dead here, but it was archaeology that shed light on one of the best-preserved Punic cemeteries.
Abandoned after the Christian conquest, it wasn’t discovered until 1946 when a mule fell into a well after the ground gave way beneath its feet.
The Mule’s Hypogeums
The discovery of this spectacular funerary complex gives this place its name, the Mule’s Hypogeums. Hypogeums are tombs carved into the rock. Though originally completely sealed chambers, tomb raiders created passages through many holes, leading to the galleries we can see today.
The large number of tombs containing nearly intact skeletons makes this necropolis a unique place in Europe. Despite the central Mediterranean hosting great cities, the necropolis of Puig des Molins is one of the best-preserved. This is why UNESCO grants it the honor of being a World Heritage site.
The extensive collection of archaeological objects housed in the Puig des Molins museum provides answers to many of our questions. It is through these objects that we can learn who the ancient inhabitants of the island were and how they lived.
Ibosim and the Goddess Tanit
Thanks to the remains found in the tombs, there are indications that explain the origin of the island’s name, Ibosim, in honor of the god Bes. Among these archaeological remains, a very popular sculpture on the island stands out, the terracotta goddess Tanit. This goddess is still one of the icons of the island today. Specialized analysis of the statue has revealed volcanic particles, leading to the belief that it may have been crafted in Sicily.
All of this and much more awaits you in this complex, which is why it is one of the must-visit places. Some of these relics lend their names to the festivities celebrated on the island, forming a part of Ibiza’s culture.