Stonehenge Ibiza (Time and Space)

What makes Stonehenge Ibiza special

Stonehenge Ibiza is the nickname of ‘Time and Space’, an artwork by the Australian artist Andrew Rogers. It stands close to the cove of Cala Codolar, on the west coast of Ibiza in the municipality of Sant Josep de sa Talaia. The nickname comes from the layout: 13 basalt columns that call to mind the famous stone circle in England.

According to the artist, the work dates from 2014. The columns stand around the edge of an ellipse, a reference to the orbits of the planets around the sun. The whole piece is about 29 metres long, 16 metres wide and 10 metres high. The height of the columns and the spacing between them follow the Fibonacci sequence. The tallest column is finished in 23-carat gold. The gold is meant to reflect the light of the setting sun on the day of the winter solstice.

It’s often said that Guy Laliberté, the founder of Cirque du Soleil, commissioned the work and was fined because it had no building permit. We haven’t found an official source for this.

Las Puertas Can Soleil

Nearby there’s another artwork: two freestanding doors facing each other, known as Las Puertas Can Soleil. They symbolise a room without walls. The doors bear inscriptions and Arabic motifs, including the Hand of Fatima, an ancient protective symbol. Look between the doors from the right angle and you’ll see Es Vedrà on the horizon.

Getting there and parking

You can get there by car: follow the signs for Cala Codolar. There’s parking near the artwork. Navigation apps may send you along a difficult track near Cala Corral. That stretch is best avoided; stick to the signs for Cala Codolar.

Facilities

There are no facilities at the artwork itself. Bring your own food and drink, and don’t leave any rubbish behind. If you fancy a swim afterwards, Cala Codolar is close by.

Tips for your visit

• Come around sunset: on this west coast, the sun goes down over the sea.
• Bring a torch or use your phone’s light for the walk back in the dark.
• Combine your visit with a look at Las Puertas Can Soleil and a swim at Cala Codolar.
• Bring water; in summer it’s still hot late in the afternoon.