Ses Fontanelles - Sa Cova des Vi

Nestled within the rugged landscapes of Ibiza, Ses Fontanelles—also known as Sa Cova des Vi—is renowned for housing the island’s most significant collection of prehistoric cave paintings. This remarkable site, situated near the coastline in the vicinity of Cala Salada, offers a unique window into the Bronze Age, with artwork dating back to around 1000 BCE. The interior of the cave displays schematic and geometric motifs, rendered in deep red ochre, believed to have been created by early settlers or possibly the indigenous Talaiotic culture. Over the centuries, Ses Fontanelles has served as a natural shelter, and local tradition also ties the cave to the storage of wine amphorae during the island’s Roman occupation, hence its alternative name, “The Cave of Wine.” In the late 20th century, archaeological interest in the site grew, leading to further studies that have helped illuminate the ritualistic and domestic uses of the cave. Today, Ses Fontanelles stands as a testament to the island’s ancient inhabitants and their artistic and cultural expression, making it a site of exceptional interest for those passionate about Iberian prehistory and Mediterranean archaeology.