Marbella: historical background

MARBELLA – NUMBER ONE CITY FOR LIVING

Marbella, often regarded as Europe’s favourite year-round playground, is a city that has evolved remarkably over the centuries. From its humble beginnings as a small fishing and farming village, Marbella has transformed into an international tourist destination, boasting a mild climate, 26 km of beautiful beaches and impressive mountain ranges, 70 best golf courses and a rich cultural heritage.

Marbella is a place where the past and present meet to offer a unique lifestyle.

FROM ANCIENT TIMES TO NOWADAYS

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐒

Imagine a city that has seen the footprints of ancient civilizations, from Paleolithic and Neolithic humans in the Sierra Blanca mountains to Phoenician and Punic settlers in the 7th Century BC.

In 1600 BC the city was conquered by the Romans who named the city Salduba, which means Salt City. The marks of the Roman Era are still here with relics and architectural marvels like the Rio Verde Roman Villa and the Guadalmina Thermal Baths, standing as silent witnesses to a glorious past. There are even remains of early Christians at the Basilica de San Pedro that date back to the 3rd century AD.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐁𝐒

The 6th century marked a significant turning point with the arrival of the Arabs in southern Spain. They brought Islamic rule and renamed the town Marbil-la, fortifying it with a fortress and defence walls to protect against Christian attacks. This period of Arab rule, which lasted nearly nine centuries, is evident in Marbella’s Moorish architecture that still adorns various parts of the city.

𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐍𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐎

In 1485, a crucial moment in Marbella’s history occurred when the Spanish Catholic Monarchs, led by King Fernando, conquered the city. This conquest led to significant changes, including the destruction of the original Muslim Medina in the current Old Town to make way for the Plaza de los Naranjos, or Orange Square.

Several centuries later the residents built the San Luis fort, built by residents to protect the city from pirates. Although the fort was destroyed by the French during the Peninsula War (1808-1814), still has remnants visible in the gardens of the Hotel Fuerte in the old centre of Marbella.

𝐈𝐍𝐃𝐔𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐄𝐕𝐎𝐋𝐔𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍

Marbella’s history kept evolving, though at a slower pace. The city expanded as a centre for farming and agriculture and also stepped into the industrial era. It became home to Spain’s first iron foundry that used blast furnaces. During the 19th century, as the city’s industrial sector grew, new buildings, bridges, and roads started appearing. This development turned Marbella into one of the most important industrial areas in the region.

𝐏𝐔𝐄𝐑𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐀𝐍𝐔𝐒

Puerto Banús, a relatively new resort established in 1970, is the brainchild of local property developer José Banús. His journey to creating this iconic destination began with the purchase of a large estate in what is now Nueva Andalucía, initially intended for breeding bullfighting cattle.

This development coincided with Marbella’s rise as a sought-after tourist hotspot. In the late 1940s, European elites and royalty discovered Marbella, attracting celebrities to this coastal gem.

Seizing the moment, José Banús envisioned an exclusive marina for Marbella’s international visitors, offering a private haven away from media attention. The concept took shape in 1966, following a meeting with Prince Alfonso Hohenlohe and architects Noldi Schreck and Marcos Sainz, known for their work on the Marbella Club Hotel. Their collaboration led to the initial design of what would become Puerto Banús. The architects gathered inspiration from local architecture, blending it with modern elements.

The result was a luxurious marina that retained the charm of an Andalusian fishing village. José Banús approved the design and in May 1970, the marina, along with its apartments and service areas, was inaugurated. Puerto Banús rapidly gained popularity among the elite, attracting businesses eager to cater to this affluent clientele. The success of Puerto Banús propelled José Banús to become a leading developer in residential tourism on the Costa del Sol.

Today, the port, bearing his name, hosts around 900 boats, including some of the world’s most extravagant super yachts and continues to be a symbol of luxury and exclusivity.

𝐏𝐔𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐎

The Puente Romano Hotel in Marbella stands as a testament to luxury and elegance. Since its inception in the late 1970s, this hotel has set a benchmark for upscale hospitality. The hotel’s location is on the grounds of a historic Roman bridge, which inspired its name “Puente Romano.” Initially conceived by Prince Alfonso Von Hohenlohe as a high-end apartment complex, it was transformed into a luxury hotel by Mouaffak Al Midani in 1979, capitalizing on its prime beachside location.

Today, the Puente Romano is a landmark in Marbella, owned by the David Shamoon family. It offers 266 luxurious rooms, suites, and grand suites, providing guests with a lavish base for their Marbella holiday. The hotel is renowned for its award-winning sub-tropical gardens, encompassing three swimming pools, with the largest overlooking the Mediterranean beach.

𝐓𝐎𝐃𝐀𝐘

Marbella stands as a testament to this rich history, offering a lifestyle that is both luxurious and laid-back. It’s a city where the old and the new coexist in perfect harmony. The culinary scene here is a paradise for food lovers with four Michelin-starred restaurants, top-notch restaurants serving everything from traditional Spanish tapas to gourmet international cuisine, amazing bakeries, and cafes.

Families, too, find a welcoming haven in Marbella, with its charming old town, kid-friendly eateries, and a diversity of activities that fit all ages.

For the real estate investor or homebuyer, Marbella presents a world of opportunities. The city’s history adds a unique charm to its properties, whether it’s a luxury villa on the Golden Mile or a cosy apartment near the bustling marinas. The real estate market here is as diverse as its history, offering something for every taste and budget. From the luxury yachts moored in Puerto Banus to the tranquil green spaces and modern amenities, Marbella is a city that knows how to blend luxury with comfort, history with modernity.

Accessibility is another advantage you will have in your pocket. With budget airlines connecting it to major cities across Europe and an average of 320 sunny days a year, it is no wonder that Marbella is often referred to as the California of Europe. This accessibility, combined with its rich cultural tapestry, makes Marbella not just a great place to live but also a wise investment choice.

Marbella is a lifestyle choice, an exquisite mix of history, culture and modern living that offers something unique at every turn.

Come and stay!

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