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Marbella's motto
is 'A Way of Life' and, certainly, this luxurious
resort town seems to have it all and is, once
again, rising to the fore as a favourite location
with the rich and famous, as well as more ordinary
folk who are willing to pay just a little bit
extra for southern Spain's answer to St Tropez.
Not too long ago, Marbella sharpened its image
still more thanks to a considerable investment
initiated by the town's colourful and controversial
former mayor, Jesus Gil which resulted in a massive
landscaping drive |
But Marbella has a down to earth
side as well, an air of individuality which can be best
appreciated by exploring back streets in the old part
of town. One of the prettiest places is the fabled 'Orange
Square' which is located just off the main street in
the older district and is also home to the 16th century
town hall and tourist office where you can pick up a
detailed map and visitor information.
Back to Orange Square, or "La
Plaza de los Naranjos", as it is called in Spanish,
expect to meet with stately buildings, small shops,
art galleries, bars and bistros and is a hub of activity
day and night. And, depending on the time of year, the
colours here can be vibrant, with the trees and exotic
tropical plants set against a backdrop of dazzling white
buildings and a deep blue sky.
Be
sure to explore the honeycomb of surrounding narrow
streets where homes and shops intermingle to create
the atmosphere of a small village, rather than
a cosmopolitan town.
There are numerous excellent restaurants to choose
from, ranging from those specialising in the predictably
pricey exclusive cordon bleu to the gritty individuality
of a backstreet Spanish bar where the Serrano
ham is gently cured by tobacco smoke and the tapas
cost 100 pts each and are both tasty and filling.
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Back towards the coast is the La Alameda park where you
can book your personal horse and carriage to travel in
style or, if you prefer, stroll on towards the sea along
the Avenida del Mar.
This is arguably one of the most delightful promenades
on the costa, flanked by classy restaurants and bars and
mercifully free of concrete skyscrapers, glass bottom
boat trips, imported shells and I love .... T. Shirts
that are fast bringing a sameness to coastal resorts,
whether they be in Pathos, Cyprus or Portimao, Portugal.
From Guadalalmina to Cabopino, the Marbella coastline
stretches along some 26 kilometres of sunny beaches bathed
by the Mediterranean and where you can enjoy traditional
fish and seafood favourites like sardines on a spit, fried
fish and the incomparable paella. There are also two large
parks in Marbella which provide some welcome shade to
spend some time with a book.
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The amphitheatre
at Constitution Park (once the garden of a private
residence) is frequently used for concerts and
plays in the summer. Casinos, clubs and just about
every sporting activity under the sun, few places
can match Marbella for world class tennis, sailing
and golf. There are also three pleasurecraft harbours
here.
However for the ultimate in coastal charisma
it would be hard to beat Puerto Banus, just west
of the town. |
This
is the place to be pampered yachtside and watch
the world go by or window shop at one of several
of the world renowned fashion houses and boutiques.
The port has grown considerably over the years and
now includes a casino, commercial shopping centre,
El Corte Ingles department store, marine observatory
and a multi cinema with films shown in their original
soundtrack.
The nightlife is buzzing
here with afresco bars, piano clubs and discos
which are open dusk until dawn.
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Marbella History & Culture :
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Marbella has
witnessed the arrival of the Phoenicians, Romans
and Moors and over the centuries has seen its
name changed many times. Named Barbesula by the
Romans, then Barbella, it was finally given the
name Marbella by the Catholic Monarchs, Isabella
and Ferdinand , which means beautiful sea.
The Castle: These
ruins are found in the historic centre of the
town, near Orange Square and are the only ones
from the Muslim era which have been preserved.
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During the Muslim occupation, Marbella was one of the
most important cities in the province of Málaga.
The Muslims' fortifications covered an area of about 90,000
square metres.
The Roman
Village of Rio Verde: These remains were known
about in the 18th century though it wasn't until 1960
that the archaeologist, Carlos Posac Mon and Señor
Fernando Alcala Marin discovered part of the village
which had remained largely unexplored. This area includes
a patio surrounded by pillars and twelve rooms designed
to give light to the interior rooms of the building.
Old
Town of Marbella : It is recommended that
visit the casco antiguo during your stay. The old
town of Marbella remains almost unchanged since
the 16th century.
It's very well preserved, which is why it is constantly
such a popular area. The streets are still full
of life, since they form a popular commercial centre
for tourists and locals alike. |
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Another famous
monument is the "Incarnacion",
a Church near Orange Square in the heart of the
old town of Marbella. The church is found in one
of the town's most beautiful squares.
Originally constructed in 1618, the new building
was completed by Pedro del Castillo in 1712 and
Salvador Gavez in 1756, who sculpted the church's
main façade.
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Contemporary
Spanish Engravings Museum: Since its opening this
museum has proved to be the hub of the artistic
world in Marbella , but it has also focused on Spanish
Contemporary Art and, most importantly, prints.
The museum features many exhibitions of well-known
artists such as Picasso, Joan Miro, Goya Eduardo
Chillida, and many more. |
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The Basilica, "Vega del Mar" is situated in
the town of San Pedro de Alcántara and its construction
is visigothic, dating from the 6th century. It can be
located within a group of churches with two apses, one
facing west and the other east.
The Basilica is surrounded by a necropolis and was discovered
in the first years of this century. It is one of Spain's
most important links to the Paelolithic period. The following
excavations uncovered a diversity of materials, which
can now be found in museums in Marbella, Málaga
and Madrid. |
