Have you ever imagined what it was like to be a 14th-century resident of Formentera? Standing before the Capella de sa tanca Vella, you can almost feel the spirit of that time. This humble chapel, known fondly by locals as Sa Tanca Vella, is the oldest church on the island. Imagine the earliest inhabitants of this sparsely populated island traveling to a tiny chapel for solace and spiritual guidance, away from the bustling port of Ibiza. Built in the 14th century, it’s a reminder of a time when Formentera was a remote and challenging place to call home. The chapel served its purpose for centuries, a beacon of faith for a small community. The name “Sa Tanca Vella” literally translates to “the old enclosure,” referring to its location within a farmhouse that once stood nearby. Throughout the years, it stood as a silent witness to the island’s dramatic repopulation, the arrival of new settlers from Ibiza, and the slow but steady growth of Sant Francesc de Formentera.
The church is simple in its design, with a rectangular floor plan and a barrel vaulted ceiling. Its austere exterior reflects the traditional Formentera architecture of the time, blending seamlessly with the island’s landscape. Today, the chapel, despite being abandoned, is a protected cultural landmark. Surrounding the chapel, you can almost see the ghosts of those early residents, their lives a testament to resilience and faith. Today, Capella de sa tanca Vella is a poignant reminder of the island’s rich history and the enduring spirit of those who lived here before us.