For those of a historical bent, the Consell of Ibiza has launched a series of tours inspired by the travels of the Archduke of Austria who toured Ibiza in the 19th Century, recording his visits in a series of drawings and writings. The routes complement an exhibition of his work entitled ‘The city walls, 19th Century, the Archduke’s view’.
All members of the public are welcome to take part in the walking itineraries , which are based on writings that the Archduke recorded on his two visits to the island in 1867 and 1885. The notes of Luis Salvador of Austria were also published in a book entitled ‘Les antigues Pitiüses', the ancient pine islands, published on 1869. Two routes take place this month on 8 and 21 November. Guides will be in Spanish, though the routes are of note and interesting to join in and follow in the footsteps of the Austrian aristo.
On Sunday 8 November, the next route called 'The Port, Sa Penya and the Marina', starts in the Plaza de Sa Font, moving onto Plaza de la Constitución, where the guide will explain the changes that have happened over time in Portal de ses Taules and how the Mercat sa Peixateria area has been restructured. It will continue to the Torre del Mar, where the port’s expansion in this period will be covered.
Finally on 21 November, the last tour starts from Portal Nou and is entitled Els voltants de les muralles and goes to Puig des Molins where the tour will look at how the view of the old city and the views of Formentera and Las Salinas would have appeared from the observatory. Here they will read the musings of the Archduke to give context to the tour.
The first tour took place at the end of October and provided a guided trip around the walls of Dalt Vila and looked at buildings like the Cathedral and old Dominican convent through the eyes of the Duke. For those wanting to see the exhibition, it takes place at the Baluarte de Sant Pere in Dalt Vila until 31 December.
It promises to be a different day out and a good way to connect with Ibiza’s past. If you want to book yourself on one of the upcoming tours, please contact Madina Yabisah at the Centre d'Interpretació by email madinayabisa@eivissa.es or call 971 392390
