The bastion of Santa Tecla, one of the seven defensive bulwarks in Dalt Vila has now opened to the public. Situated to the east of the cathedral in a prime spot overlooking Ibiza's port, its opening now completes the 'Bastion Route' a circular walk around the walls of Dalt Vila which takes in all of the bulwarks and many other interesting structures.
Santa Tecla was one of the original six bastions constructed by the Italian architect Giovanni Battista Calvi after work commenced on the renaissance walls and defences in 1555. Along with the Sant Bernat, San Jordi, Sant Jaume, Sant Pere and Sant Joan bastions, its design was a product of new technology both in defence and attack.
The use of gunpowder had made the previously popular defence towers extremely vulnerable to canon fire as they protruded so high above castle walls. Bastions were low flat angular projections at the same height as the walls which gave canons mounted on their surface complete cover of all areas used by attackers.
These days the bastions – the seventh, Santa Lucia was added in 1575 – give visitors superb views of the walls, harbour and city below and on Santa Lucia you can still see the canons in their defensive positions. They also make great concert venues – I wonder what Giovanni Battista Calvia would think now of the DJs, bands and folk dancing which take place in his creations at Sant Pere and Santa Lucia?
Strangely, Santa Tecla which has been closed for a long while because of all the work going on around the castle area, has official opening hours;
Monday closed
Tuesday to Friday – 10 to 21
Saurday and Sunday – 10 to 14
It's a welcome addition to Ibiza's heritage route, and if you fancy having a walk round all the bulwarks and are maybe a little unsure of your directions, have a look at this handy Google map - or alternatively, just take a big ball of string with you.
