Ibiza and Formentera's Archaeological Museum facts for kids

The Archaeological Museum of Ibiza and Formentera is a special place that keeps, studies, and shows old things from the islands of Ibiza and Formentera. It helps us learn about their long history. This museum has two main parts: the Archaeological Museum in Dalt Vila and the Monographic Museum of Puig des Molins. Both are found in the old town of Ibiza.

The museum shows more than 3,000 years of history from the Pityusic Islands (Ibiza and Formentera). You can see items from the very first people who lived there, all the way up to the time when the Catalan people took over in 1235.

Discovering Ancient History

The main part of the museum is in the strong, walled city of Dalt Vila. It opened in 1907. This happened because the Archaeological Society of Ibiza gave their amazing collection of ancient items to the government. This society started in 1903. They had dug up many important things on Ibiza and Formentera.

Early Discoveries

The first items on display came from these early digs. Later, in 1913, a local family gave more items. These came from places like Ses Torres, Portmany, and the old temples of Illa Plana and Es Culleram. These gifts helped the museum grow even bigger.

The Puig des Molins Museum

The Monographic Museum of Puig des Molins is located right at the ancient burial site called the Puig des Molins Necropolis. This part of the museum tells the story of this important site. It also shows the most important ancient items found there. Everything is explained clearly, so you can understand its history.

A Special Burial Ground

The area of Puig des Molins was chosen as a burial ground around 700 BC. This was done by the Phoenicians, who were the people who first built the city of Ibiza. For a very long time, this was the main cemetery for the city.

Digging Up the Past

Since 1903, many archaeological digs have happened here. These digs have uncovered a huge number of items. They include things from the Phoenicians, the Punic people, and the Romans. In 1931, the Spanish government officially called this necropolis a Historical and Artistic Monument. Today, it is the largest and best-preserved Phoenician-Punic burial ground in the western Mediterranean.

World Heritage Site

Because of its great importance, Puig des Molins was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1999. This means it is a place of special cultural or historical value to all of humanity.

See also

In Spanish: Museo Arqueológico de Ibiza y Formentera para niños