Necrópolis Púnica del Puig des Molins

Puig des Molins Nekropolis


Useful Information

Location: In the centre of Ibiza city. From the Portal Nou, the west gate of the fortress, follow the Via Romana to the Puig des Molins (Mill Hill).
Open: 16-MAR to 15-OCT Tue-Sat 10-14, 18-20, Sun 10-14.
16-OCT tp 15-MAR Tue-Sat 9-15, Sun 10-14.
[2004]
Fee: free [2004]
Classification: SubterraneaCave Tomb
Light: LightIncandescent
Dimension: Ar=50,000m²
Guided tours:
Photography:
Accessibility:
Bibliography:
Address: Necrópolis Púnica del Puig des Molins, Via Romana 31, s/n, E-7800 Ibiza, Tel: +34-971-30-1771, Fax: +34-971-30-3263.
As far as we know this information was accurate when it was published (see years in brackets), but may have changed since then.
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History

1977 declared a Property of Cultural Interest.
1999 inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Description

The nekropolis Puig des Molins is said to be one of the largest and best preserved underground tombs in the world. It is located at the foot of a mountain of same name.

This place was the cemetery of Eivissa since its foundation by Occidental Phoenicians at the end of the 7th century BC. The necropolis was used through the entire early Punic era until the first century AD. During more than 700 years it reached a size of 50,000 m², with more than 3,000 Punic tombs. It is the biggest and best conserved necropolis of the Phoenician-Punic culture.

When Spain was occupied by the Romans, the cemetery was now used by the new rulers. Even after the roman Empire collapsed, until the 7th century, the early Middle Ages, the cemetry was still in use.

Only 340 of the 3,000 Punic tombs are visible from the outside. They are built underground, with access well and a chamber. This kind of pre-Christian tomb is called hypogaeum or simply hypogeum. A group of hypogea is equipped with lights and stairs and may be visited.

The wealth of remains which were uncovered by archaeologists, is represented by an on site exhibition. The Museu Arqueològic del Puig des Molins is well worth a visit, but it seems to be closed at the moment for renovation. The site is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, but the inscription includes the whole island with various archaeological sites. Other important criteria of the inscription are the Posidonia (seagras) eco system, the intact 16th century fortifications, the Phoenician ruins of Sa Caleta, and fortified acropolis of the Upper Town of Ibiza.