© Copyright 2024 Helmut Giersiefen. All Rights Reserved.
© Copyright 2024 Helmut Giersiefen. All Rights Reserved.
Cala d'en Serra is a hidden gem nestled at the northern tip of Ibiza, where steep, wooded cliffs rise majestically around a small, tranquil beach. The calm, crystal-clear waters shimmer in a stunning array of blues, creating a perfect Mediterranean haven.
This idyllic scene is subtly interrupted by the remains of a gray cement structure overlooking the bay – an unfinished hotel complex designed by the renowned architect and urban planner, Josep Lluis Sert (1902–1983). Sert, a towering figure in 20th-century architecture and a key proponent of modern design in Spain, began construction of the hotel in 1969. The project was halted in the 1970s when Franco’s regime denied him the necessary accreditation to complete the work.
Sert’s connection to Ibiza dates back to the 1930s, when he was inspired by the island’s original, minimalist architecture, characterized by white cubic structures with little adornment. This influence is evident in his plans for the hotel and in the concrete remnants that still stand – a silent testament to his vision and the island’s enduring charm.