LA CASA PAYESA

“It is as if these rural houses have miles and miles of stone roots that make up one of the elements of the island’s landscape. There is not only an architecture of the house, but also an architecture of the landscape.”

When the Catalan architect José Luis Sert wrote these words in 1933, he was describing a form of architecture entirely new to both he and his modernist contemporaries. The simplicity, functionality and utilitarianism of the design were a revelation. To the Ibicenco farmer, however, this primitive vernacular was already centuries old.

The Ibicenco finca, or farmhouse, holds a rich history deeply intertwined with the cultural and agricultural heritage of Ibiza. These traditional rural estates are emblematic of Ibiza’s rustic charm and have played a vital role in shaping the island’s identity.

Historically, Ibicenco fincas were built primarily for agricultural purposes, reflecting the island’s agrarian economy. Their design, characterized by thick whitewashed walls, tiny windows and flat roofs for rainwater collection, emerged from a need to withstand the island’s harsh climate while maximizing natural resources.

Dating back centuries, the origins of these fincas can be traced to the earliest Phoenician settlers of Ibiza. Later influences from Moorish architecture are evident in features such as arched doorways, internal courtyards, and defensive elements, showcasing a blend of Arab and Mediterranean design. It is these extraordinary houses that gave Ibiza its ‘White Island’ sobriquet and that continue to form a living link between the island’s storied history and its vibrant present.