Marbella History and Heritage
Marbella’s history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human settlement dating as far back as the Paleolithic era. Throughout its history, Marbella has been influenced by various civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Moors, each leaving their mark on the city’s architecture, culture, and traditions.
The Phoenicians first settled Marbella’s current location in the 7th century BC. Evidence of Phoenician and subsequent Carthaginian settlements have been discovered in several areas of the municipality, such as the fields of Rio Real and Cerro Torrón, through the unearthing of artifacts.
During Islamic rule, the Normans attacked the coast of Málaga, prompting the Caliphate of Córdoba to fortify the coastline and build lighthouse towers, the Alcazaba citadel, and a wall to protect Marbella’s narrow streets, small buildings, and large patios. The most famous structures were the citadel and the mosque. Marbella was surrendered to the Crown of Castile on June 11, 1485, ending Islamic rule and beginning Christian dominance under the Catholic Monarchs. Plaza de Los Naranjos (Orange Square) was built at this time, surrounded by historical buildings. Charles V constructed Fuerte de San Luis de Marbella (Fort Saint Luis of Marbella) in 1554, now a museum due to the fort’s ruins, while the 1st Marques del Duero founded the San Pedro de Alcantara agricultural colony in 1860.
One of the most iconic landmarks in Marbella is its historic old town, known as Casco Antiguo. Stepping into the old town feels like stepping back in time, with narrow cobblestone streets, whitewashed buildings adorned with colorful flower pots, and charming squares lined with outdoor cafes and boutique shops. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the 10th-century Moorish fortress walls, the Renaissance-era Town Hall, and the picturesque Orange Square, named for the fragrant orange trees that dot its landscape.
Another notable historical site in Marbella is the Roman Villa de Río Verde, an ancient archaeological site that offers insight into Marbella’s Roman past. Discovered in the 1960s, the villa features well-preserved mosaics, thermal baths, and other architectural remnants that provide a glimpse into daily life during the Roman era.
Beyond its architectural heritage, Marbella is also home to several cultural institutions and museums that celebrate the city’s rich history and heritage. The Bonsai Museum, located in the heart of the old town, showcases a diverse collection of bonsai trees from around the world, while the Contemporary Engraving Museum highlights the work of renowned Spanish artists.
Civil war.
During the Spanish Civil War, Marbella and Casares were heavily affected by violence, with many religious buildings being set on fire. Only the Church of St. Mary of the Incarnation and San Pedro Alcantara were spared. Nationalist forces, aided by Fascist Italian troops, seized Marbella in the early stages of the conflict.
Marbella Club history.
Prince Alfonso’s father was smitten by the Finca Santa Margarita, situated just outside the quaint village of Marbella when he stopped for a picnic while waiting for his Rolls-Royce to be fixed. The subsequent year, Prince Alfonso was sent to purchase the farmhouse and 180,000m2 of land as a private getaway for his family. These vacations, shared with esteemed family and friends — including European nobility- proved so popular that Prince Alfonso decided to transform the location into a luxurious hotel where guests could indulge in the paradisiacal Mediterranean shores.
Ricardo Soriano.
The Town later became home to Nazis during World War II, leaving it in disrepair with only 900 inhabitants. However, the arrival of Ricardo Soriano, Marquis of Ivanrey, and his wealthy and influential friends transformed Marbella into a destination for the rich and famous, cementing its reputation as a playground for the elite.
Price Alfonso.
In 1954, Prince Alfonso of Hohenlohe-Langenburg opened the Marbella Club, quickly becoming a favorite international resort for movie stars such as Brigitte Bardot, wealthy executives, and nobility likes of Bismarck, Rothschild, and Thyssen-Bornemisza. The hotel’s popularity transformed Marbella from a small fishing village into a destination for the jet-set crowd, partly thanks to Prince Alfonso’s connections with European royal courts.
Puerto Banus.
In 1966, the prince enlisted a Beverly Hills architect and worked with Banu’s family, personal friends of dictator Francisco Franco, to construct the upscale marina Puerto Banus. It opened in 1970 with a guest list that included Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco, Juan Carlos (then Prince of Asturias), Aga Khan IV, and the singer Julio Iglesias.
Jet-set destination.
Marbella became a popular destination for the jet set in the 1980s. In 1991, Jesús Gil, then president of Club Atlético de Madrid, became Mayor of Marbella, and Sean Connery became the Town’s international spokesperson. During Gil’s administration, Marbella experienced an economic boom, with property developers constructing rapidly. Despite Gil’s controversies, Spanish celebrities continued to vacation in Marbella, and the Town remains a top luxury destination for second home residence in the sun.
Puente Romano Beach Resort.
Puente Romano was originally constructed in 1974 as an exclusive apartment complex on the Golden Mile, perfectly located between Puerto Banús and the centre of Marbella. In 1979, it was officially inaugurated as a hotel. At the heart of the complex, you can still see a beautiful, authentic Roman bridge, a remnant of the Roman road that linked Rome and Cadiz. Puente Romano, which means “Roman Bridge,” belongs to this historic feature.
Marbella’s record-breaking tourist numbers in recent years have attracted many visitors from the mid to top end of the market. Some have become so enamoured with the city that they choose it over other prestigious destinations.
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