Marbella (Spain) is the most popular Mediterranean resort located in the province of Malaga. This ancient Iberian settlement managed to visit not only the Roman port, but also the Arab fortress. With the development of the tourism industry, a small fishing town has become one of the world's luxury resorts. According to the 2010 census, 136 322 people live in Marbella, but in June-August (the period of the “high” beach season) this figure increases to 700,000.
Geography and Climate Information
The municipality of Marbella (Spain) is the second largest settlement in the province of Malaga. Its area is 143.3 square kilometers. The coastline is twenty-six kilometers.
The Sierra Blanca mountains (part of the Cordillera-Betica system) protect Marbella from the influence of continental air currents. This leads to a mild climate, the best suited for a wonderful vacation. The average annual temperature is eighteen degrees Celsius, and sunny days during the year are at least 320.
The resort of Marbella (Spain) has the following borders: in the north - the municipalities of Ojen and Istan, in the north-west - Benahavis, in the east - Mijas, in the west - Estepona. Several rivers flow through the city - Rio Guadalamina, Rio Real and Rio Verde. Thanks to the reservoir on the last Marbella is provided with fresh water.
The ecosystem of the mountain slopes that surround the city is represented by coniferous Mediterranean forests, where you can also see ferns, eucalyptus trees, cherry and chestnut trees. As for the wildlife of the nearby forests, it is characterized by species diversity - mountain goats, foxes, deer, and rabbits live there. In addition, you can see badgers, martens and squirrels. The mountains are inhabited by a large number of birds - falcons, vultures, golden eagles, hawks.
History of the city
Marbella (Spain) - a place with a mild climate, a convenient coastline, coniferous forests with lots of living creatures, extensive caves. It is not surprising that these territories have long attracted people. The remains of primitive man were found in caves located in areas of Las Chapas Nagueles. Archaeologists have found evidence of the fact that Marbella was developed in the Paleolithic era. Among them are stone tools and cave paintings made using red paint and surprisingly preserved brightness to this day.
Before the Phoenicians came to these lands in the eighth century BC, the local Iberian tribes, who lived mainly along the Rio Verde and Rio Real rivers, were under the rule of the kingdom of Tortess.
The Phoenicians built metallurgical plants in the occupied territories and created iron mines. All this is confirmed by the characteristic transformations of the landscape. In addition, the Phoenicians made purple from marine mollusks.
As historians suggest, in the ninth century BC (the period of Carthage) Marbella was a trading post and was called Cerro Torron.
It is officially proved that in the place of the Old Town (the historical quarter of Marbella) there was a Roman settlement of Salduba.
Since the time of the Visigoth state (existence period 418-718), the foundation of the early Christian basilica Vega de Mar and the necropolis have survived.
Middle Ages
During the reign of Muslims, all Andalusia was part of the Cordoba Caliphate. Thanks to the Arabs, the city walls of Marbella were seriously fortified and the Alcazaba fortress was erected. The local population was engaged in the cultivation of mulberries and figs, produced silk and developed agriculture.
When the power of the leaders of the Cordoba caliphate began to weaken, small separate kingdoms - typhons formed in the state of Al Andalus. Marbella for some time was one of them, but soon fell under the influence of typhus Algeciras.
Christian period
On January 29, 1485, Isabella of Castile and Ferdinand of Aragon, the Catholic kings, sent troops from Seville to the Emirates of Granada, the last bastion of Spanish Muslims. Before the assault, it was planned to take Malaga, which played the role of the main sea gate of Granada. In front of this intermediate goal were two well-fortified fortresses - Marbella and Ronda. During the siege of the latter, Ferdinand II sent a message to the defenders of Marbella demanding surrender. When the Arabs learned that the Christians occupied Arcos de la Frontera and successfully besieged Ronda, they put forward their own conditions for surrender, asking for a month for reflection. The king gave them half the time.
Marbella gave up without blood. This happened on June 11, 1485 - the day when they honor the memory of St. Bernabe. Since then, he has been the patron saint of the city. For many hundreds of years, local residents have been celebrating the liberation of their lands on a special scale.
After the departure of the conquerors, Marbella (Spain) began to noticeably transform. So, new buildings were actively erected, the main square of the city appeared - Orange, the sea fort of San Luis and the Church of St. Christ were built.
Recent story
At the beginning of the nineteenth century, iron ore deposits were discovered in Marbella . Thus, the era of industrialization began. In addition, the agricultural sector was developing rapidly.
The end of the nineteenth century was a difficult period for the economy of the region. Due to the high cost of charcoal, the price of local steel was higher than that of competitors who used coking coal in the production process . In addition, viticulture - the main area of agriculture - was affected by the plague of grapes.
Against the general background of poverty, a group of oligarchs began to stand out sharply, the middle class did not exist as such.
New direction
In the framework of the total economic crisis, local authorities decided to focus on holidays in Marbella (Spain). Tourism infrastructure began to actively develop. The first hotel (Komersial) opened its doors to vacationers in 1919. Proclamation of the Second Spanish Republic and the Civil War of 1936-1939 stirred up the whole country. Little Marbella was also unable to stay away from the most important historical events, so the hotel construction process was suspended for some time. The city entered a new round of development of the tourism sector in the 1950s.
Marbella (Spain). sights
Of particular interest are the ruins of the Alcazaba fortress, built during the reign of the Arabs. A unique architectural monument for more than nine thousand years.
Around the central square are interesting Renaissance buildings - the Correchidor House, the Town Hall and the Chapel of St. Santiago.
The religious center of the city is the square in front of the Church of St. Mary of the Incarnation, erected on the site of an Arab mosque.
Eixample
This historic district is located between the Old Town and the promenade. On its territory there is a botanical garden of amazing beauty. On the seaside boulevard you can see a collection of ten sculptures by Salvador Dali.
What is more remarkable Marbella (Spain)? Traveler reviews on visiting the old city lighthouse are always delighted. This ancient building is located opposite the seaport, west of Avenida del Mar. There are countless restaurants on the marble embankment. Today, an entertainment complex operates on the territory of the port. In addition, the Eixample has a summer city theater, a park and a relaxation area.
Golden Mile
The most luxurious residences were erected in this area - the Fahda Palace, the Puente Romano and Marbella Club hotels. The specified territory is four kilometers of the avenue that separates the central part of the city from the port of Banus.
Nueva Andalucia
This area was built during the tourist boom of the 1960s on the site where a metallurgical plant used to be located. Currently, there is an agricultural colony and the Angel Botanical Garden.
San Pedro Alcantara
Previously, this area was agricultural. On its territory were located sugarcane plantations, vegetable fields, citrus orchards. The oldest building is the sugar factory building. Near the San Pedro promenade are some of the most important archaeological sites of the city - the Early Christian Visigothic Basilica and Roman baths.
Las Chapas
Currently, archaeological excavations of the ancient Phoenician settlement located on the cape at the mouth of the river are underway in the area. Rio Real. Unique lamps and ceramic dishes decorated with ancient Greek inscriptions have already been discovered.
Holidays
According to tourists who have visited Marbella, the locals love to have fun. For example, the main city holiday - St. Bernabe's Day - is celebrated for a whole week. Solemn events are held both in the afternoon and in the late evening. All residents dress up in national costumes.
In the period from July to October, holidays are celebrated in the areas of Marbella. The most famous of them are Santa Marta, Leganitos, Salto del Agua, Trapiche-Miraflores and Divina Pastora.
Transport connection
Mostly buses travel around the city. Three major highways run across the Costa del Sol. Does Marbella (Spain) have an airport? Not. The nearest “air gates” are located at a distance of 38 kilometers (in Malaga).
There are four ports - Puerto Cabopino, Puerta Marbella, Puerto Banus and Puerto Bajadilla. The size of the latter allows him to take large cruise ships.
Conclusion
Today Marbella on the map of Spain is no longer a small fishing village, but the most famous resort of world significance. Hundreds of thousands of vacationers come to this wonderful land every year. Any tourist will be pleased with the warm sea and the gentle sun, hospitable Spain. Marbella, the photo of which is presented in the article, is the leader in attendance in Andalusia.