Province
and Villages - Malaga - Marbella - History
Marbella History Information
The shaping of Marbella as a city and the consolidation of its appearance lies with the Moors who brought both urbanistic and architectural continuity to the city. Until that time, various races settled in Marbella- Visigoths, Vandals and Bizantines- and who, on leaving, left their cultures in the form archaeological remains. Important vestiges of Rome can also be found in the form of fortified settlement in the Old Town.
In 711, the Moors, commanded by Al- Tarik, entered Spain
through Tarifa, witch took its name from this Moorish
leader. Due to its geographical proximity the Moors quickly
settled In the Marbella area. One of its most important
constructions being the Moorish castle or Alcazaba- a
"al Kasbah", in Arabic-. In its beginning its
purpose was of a purely military nature but later was
remodelled and a perimeter wall was built around the medina
- "the city". In arabic defining the boundaries
of what today is known as the Old Town Centre and whose
perimeter was formed by the steets Peral and Portada-
"doorway"- to the North, Huerta Chica Street
to the West, from Fortaleza- "the fortress"-
and Muro - "the wall-streets to the South and the
Represa spring to the East.
In 1485, the Moors handed over keys of the city (then
called Marbiliya) to the Catholic Kings who gave Marbella
the tittle of a "Noble and Loyal City". The
period after this was one during which better and bigger
fortifications, such as the castle, the coastal with towers
and the city wall were built. The Church also prospered
as an example of the new faith and constructed the Ermita
de Santiago- the Hermitage of Saint James- El Convento
de la Trinidad- The Trinity Convent-. The San Juan de
Dios hospital, and the church of Santo Cristo, to which
the Bazan Hospital would be added later on. Marbella was
well defended by a fortified wall which surrounded the
city centre. To the North, its castle with its fortress,
to the South, East and West. Its towers.
One could enter or leave Marbella via three gates. The
Ronda Gate (now Puente de Ronda Square) to the Northeast
of the city and named after the town to which the road
led. To the South, La Puerta del Mar- The sea Gate which
also takes its name from the road which led to the capital
of the province. The 16th century is very important in
term of urbanization and expansion of the city. One of
the most important works was the construction of the Plaza
de los Naranjos and The Calle Nueva, which joined the
square to Puerta del Mar. Inside the walls, the population
dwelled in four city wards: in the center the old arab
quarters, surrounded by The Puerta del Mar, Pedraza and
Castillo Wards.
The whole of the city centre was formed of 44 narrow streets, one main square and 4 lesse ones. All of which, disregarding some minor variations, still exist today.
These streets took their names from conquering people such as Mendoza or Buitrago, as well as from distinguished locals like Alderete, or from people or objects that were renowned for their spiritual faith or meaning: Remedios, Virgen de los Dolores, Trinidad (Trinity), Cruz (Cross), Caridad (Charity) Street, Gloria (Glory), or for simple references for the local folk such as Pasaje (Walkaway, lane) Panadería ( Bakery) Alamo (Papler), Viento (Wind) or the Los Caballeros (Knight Street) lined by many a fine mansion.
It was during the 17th century that Marbella began to
expand beyond its city walls to the North its main thoroughfare
being the afore mentioned calle Ancha (Brode Street).
A century later and to the East, The Barrio Nuevo (The
New District) gradually built up around the old road to
Málaga. Here we can still find the Cruz de Humilladero
- The Boundary Cross- under which King Fernando the Catholic
paid homage to the Lord on the recapture of Marbella from
the Moors on June 11th 1485, the Patron Dy, San Bernabé
(Saint Barnaby).
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