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Marbella History

The shaping of Marbella as a city and the consolidation of its appearance lies with the Moors who brought both urban and architectural continuity to the city. Until that time, various races settled in Marbella- Visigoths, Vandals and Byzantines- and who, on leaving, left their cultures in the form of archaeological remains. Important vestiges of Rome can also be found in the form of a fortified settlement in the Old Town.

In 711, the Moors, commanded by Al- Tarik, entered Spain through Tarifa, which 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 was the Moorish castle or Alcazaba- "al Kasbah", in Arabic. In its beginning its purpose was of a purely military nature but later it 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 streets 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 the keys of the city (then called Marbiliya) to the Catholic Kings who gave Marbella the title of a "Noble and Loyal City". The period after this was one during which better and bigger fortifications, such as the castle, the coastal watch 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 terms 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 centre 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 lesser 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 (Poplar), 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 previously mentioned calle Ancha (wide 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 saint, San Bernabé (Saint Barnaby).