|
Marbella lies at 36º 30' 34'' latitude North and 1º 11' 46'' longitude West. It is approximately 22 m above sea level.
Climate
Marbella's citizens enjoy a unique microclimate, which renders an average temperature of 18º C throughout the year.
It only rains occasionally (the rain being insignificant the rest of the year), the wind blows frequently from the East and the weather is sunny more than 320 days a year.
Data
Marbella county covers a total area of 114.3 sq km and 26 km along the coast.
It comprises several important urban sites: Marbella, San Pedro de Alcántara, Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucia and Las Chapas, as well as several suburbs. Marbella is surrounded by Estepona, Benahavís, Istán, Ojén y Mijas.
Fauna and Flora
The land is rich in cork oaks, oaks, pines, fig trees, chestnuts, carob trees and, of course, olive trees. It is not that abundant in its fauna, although Hispanic goats, foxes, rabbits and Mediterranean partridges can be found. Unsimilarly, the sea offers a wide variety of species, such as sardines, hinds, porgies, saurels, red mullets, as well as mussels, clams, etc.
Rivers
Water courses run mainly short distances and flow straight into the Mediterranean sea. The most important ones are the Guadalmina, Gaidaiza, Verde y Real. There are also lots of little streams that have been sometimes grounded by the town. The Concepción reservoir, and several other dams (Pantano Nuevo, Viejo y Medranas) complete the hydrographic scenario.
HISTORY
Various thousands of years before Christ, there were already human settlements on the Sierra Blanca Mountain in Marbella, something proven by the objects and human remains found from the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages on the mountainsides. Recent discoveries point to the fact that in the 7th Century BC there were Phoenician and Punic settlements in the Rio Real area. Rome also passed by our municipality as can be seen in the Rio Verde Roman Villa, the Guadalmina Thermal Baths and different discoveries in the Old Town of the City. From Visigoth times, we have the Vega del Mar Paleo-Christian Basilica; a singular construction with double apse, with only one similar in the whole of Spain. The first references to Marbella can be found in the geographic texts used by Muslim travellers in the Middle Ages. During the Islam period Marbella became a walled in city. The Muslims built a castle and surrounded the city with a moat with just three entrances: "From the Sea" (del Mar), "From Ronda" and "From Malaga". The Castle remains today but the moat and the doors have disappeared.
The King Fernando the Catholic conquered Marbella on the 11th of June in 1485 and this is represented in engravings in the Choir area of the Cathedral of Toledo. After the Conquer and throughout the 16th Century the urban structure of the town of Marbella suffered important changes. The center of the Muslim "Medina" (today the Old Town), was demolished to open the square (Main Square, Royal Square or Today "The Orange Square") and a new street (calle Nueva) in order to communicate the square with the Puerta del Mar. In those times the economic activities in our municipality was based on agriculture and livestock, although it continued to be famous from the Arab period for the sweet wines of which the British Traveller Francis Carter spoke in the 18th Century: "The Marbella wine is very good, drier and tastier that the Malaga wine and with a certain Madeira taste to it. I am sure that if it were well prepared it would be very well appreciated in England, bringing the price up and stimulating the inhabitants to take more care of their vineyards". During the 19th Century and with the installation of the first Industrial Estates in Spain, in El Angel and in La Concepción, in order to take advantage of all the possibilities in the Sierra Blanca Mines, Marbella began to form part of the industrialization of Malaga, becoming the second most important Industrial Province on the Peninsula.
45 years ago Marbella was an agricultural town with a mining industry and some 10.000 inhabitants. Today there are more than 100.000 inhabitants enrolled in the municipal census aside from the visitors. It was as of the 90's when Marbella began to be recognized as a "Universal City". The directives and political action carried out by the Mayor Jesus Gil in the last decade of the 20th Century have set important sights for the development of the city. Infrastructures, Cultural Centres, sporting installations, Municipal Offices, Golf Courses, New Avenues, Parks, etc and the encouraging of investors to the city have made Marbella a city desired by all and has brought us to be awarded with national and international prizes for the security, cleanliness and cordiality of the people.
PLACES OF INTEREST
Marbella offers a never-ending list of places of natural beauty mixing with avenues, parks, botanic gardens, the promenade and leisure areas that will make your stay more enjoyable than could ever have imagined. Please find a brief description of some of these places that make Marbella so unique.
PUERTO BANÚS Many have defined the port as the pennant of the Mediterranean and of Marbella. Taking a walk along the port you will have the chance to see some of the most impressive yachts in the world and you may also be overtaken by some of the latest models (girls and cars) from all over the world. The good-looking people, the famous stroll around Banus in a relaxed way, enjoying the magnificent restaurants that surround the port. The small streets inside the port are crowded with pubs and discotheques that contrast with the new avenues, squares and Commercial Centers with a large garden area (in front of Cristamar). From Marbella center we can access Puerto Banus by road along the 'Golden Mile', (10 minutes San Pedro direction), or by sea, as there are boats that carry passengers from the Leisure Port in Marbella to Puerto Banus regularly and at moderate prices.
JARDÍN EL ANGEL (THE EL ANGEL GARDENS) Leaving Marbella in Istan direction, and situated in the El Angle Colony (in front of the Aloha College), we find one of the most complete botanic gardens on the Costa del Sol, which can be visited day and night as it is very well lit. In the 15.000 m2 of gardens we will be able to differentiate three different styles of vegetable species. There is the "Jardin del Crucero" the "Jardin Romantico" and the "Jardin Tropical". All are blended in the same area and communicated by a network of little paths along which the visitor can stroll peacefully.
AVENIDA DEL MAR (THE SEA AVENUE) In the center of the city (between the Alameda Park and the Promenade) we find one of the most relevant works to have been carried out in these past few years. What used to be an abandoned park in deplorable conditions has become a promenade and a resting area (with underground parking), studded with the most complete collection of sculptures by Salvador Dali, bought by the Marbella Town Hall during the Mayor GIL Government. The marble floors (always kept clean and shiny) makes the Avenida del Mar one of the most beautiful parts of Marbella.
PASEO MARÍTIMO (PROMENADE) What initially seemed a dream that covered a few kilometers of coast has become one of the busiest areas in Marbella, running along the coast, from Banana Beach (El Cable) to Puerto Banus. Seven kilometers with marble floors overlooking the sea make taking a stroll a very enjoyable thing, joggers, skaters and women like Trinett take short stops along the way to enjoy the culinary delicacies offered at the numerous "Chiringuitos" to be found along the route.
THE ARROYO DE LA REPRESA PARK One of the first works to be carried out by the former Mayor Jesús Gil, was this park which is two kilometers long and half a kilometer wide. The small river bed that has now been walled in (once totally full of dirt and a rats nest) has become a marvelous park in which there are numerous artificial lakes, sports areas, children's park and the famous Bonsai Museum; surrounded by large stone walls that make the whole combination all the more beautiful.
PARQUE DE LA CONSTITUCIÓN (CONSTITUTION PARK) In the very center of the city we can find one of the most beautiful and peaceful parts of Marbella. With thick vegetation, a children's park, a small astronomic observatory and with benches throughout, this park is the ideal resting place for all those looking for a little peace. Inside we find the auditorium with room for 600 people (all seated). This is a very beautiful work and throughout the whole year there are shows offered that vary from opera to theater, choirs, concerts offering all types of music and never-ending cultural events that give this area the prestige that it has acquired throughout these past years with above all the "Cultural Summers", that surpass that offered in any other European Capital
BUILDINGS OF INTEREST
The LADRONES tower This is one of the first Almenara towers to be found within the Municipality of Marbella coming from the Malaga direction. It is situated close to the port of Cabopino and the projections or machicolations known in Spanish as Ladroneras and therefore the name of the same. The tower was most probably built in the Muslim period, due to the shape, the materials used and the way in which the beams have been laid. The building is a cone shape, some 3,65 m in width and 14,60 m high, distributed inside in 3 rooms and a terrace. The Town Hall is actually planning the rebuilding.
The LANCE DE LAS CAÑAS TURRET Situated in the area of Las Chapas (Marbesa Urbanization), you find this turret with a war like vocation. It is a considerable size for a turret (10,85 m high and 53,53 m wide, in the shape of a hove, due to the central floor in the shape of a elongated circle, with two slanted buttresses at the back). The turret dates back to the second half of the 16th century and the materials used are rubble masonry with adornments and brick corners. The interior is divided into two storeys and an attic where the artillery was stored; the entrance is situated on the right hand buttress at some six meters from the ground.
The TORRE REAL tower Situated on the right hand margin of the Rio Real river, the name of which it seems goes back to the time when the Catholic Kings, after having conquered the city, settled in the area. It seems that the building dates back to the 16th century, due to the materials used and the trunk shape of the building. It is 10,85 m high and 7 m wide at the base and 5,25 m at the top. It is built in stone with mortar and the entrance is some 6,5 m from the ground.
The ANCÓN tower Situated at the height of the beginning of the road to Istán, it seems that the name is due to a word that is no longer used, meaning (small path) and is most probably the scenery on which the tower was originally built. There are no references as to the date in which the tower was built although it was most probably in the Christian era.
The TORRE DEL DUQUE tower This tower is to be found next to the main entrance to Puerto Banus (at the key) and it seems that the name is due to the Duke of Cadiz and Arcos, Don Rodrigo Ponce de Leon, who was councilor to the Catholic Kings. Its shape and the techniques used to build it allow us to confirm that this is a Muslim tower. It is shaped like a prism, built in stone and brick, being 10 m high and 4,20 m wide. The door is 7,20 m from the ground.
The TORRE DE LAS BÓVEDAS tower The construction of this tower dates back to the Christian era (16th century), built to store the artillery. It is situated close to the "Las Bovedas" Roman Baths, the tower is trunk-cone shaped, although less sloped than some of the previously mentioned towers, the materials used to build it are based on rubble masonry. The tower is 13 m high and 8,30 m wide at the base; the entrance is 6,75 meters from the ground.
PLAZA DE LOS NARANJOS (The ORANGE SQUARE) This square was built after Marbella was conquered by the King Fernando the Catholic in 1.485, being an imitation of the those already existing in the Castilian Cities although in this case without arcades. Within the square one can find the Town Hall, the Jail House, the Santiago Hermitage, the chief magistrates building, the Public Granary and the Corn Exchange. you can also find a fountain in the square that was built in the year 1704
TOWN HALL According to the inscription on the facade, the Chief Magistrate, Juan de Pisa in the year 1568, ordered the construction of the building. There are also other commemorative plaques with references to the water collection, the enlargement of the building with the construction the forged iron balcony, destined for the authorities to be able to watch the festivities held in the square. Inside the building you would highlight the Mudéjar Arms situated in the Commission Room (Ancient Capitol) and the paintings in the Temple within the Hall of Justice in which one can see Felipe the Seconds' Shields, as youll as other symbols allusive to justice and religion.
LA ERMITA DE SANTIAGO This is the most ancient religious construction in the city, dating back to the 15th century, after the conquest of Marbella. It is a simple building as it has one sole room, in a box shape.. It is actually the headquarters of the Santisimo Cristo Del Amor, Maria Santisima de la Caridad and San Juan Evangelista Brotherhoods.
The CHIEF MAGISTRATES HOUSE Built in 1552, the stone facade of the building is to be highlighted due to the Gothic-Mudéjar styles mixed with Renaissance styles. The house forms part of the architectonic style of the Orange Square.
The SANTÍSIMA TRINIDAD CONVENT Situated in the Viento Street, the convent originally occupied the whole block up the actual Church Square. The building of this commenced at the end of the 15th century and was royally founded. The monks that originally occupied the convent youre assistants at the Encarnación or Bazán Hospital. The interior part of the convent conserves the cloister with interesting columns and a Gothic style Chapel.
The REAL DE LA MISERICORDIA O DE SAN JUAN DE DIOS HOSPITAL Situated in the San Juan de Dios street, the construction that has been royally founded dates back to the 16th century. It was initially built to help passers by in need. The building combines renaissance, Gothic and Mudéjar elements. you would highlight the elaborated stone entrance, the wooden door with the royal shield, and that of the San Juan de Dios Order and the roof of the chapel with its interesting Mudéjar Armour. It is actually the headquarter for the 'Nuestro Padre Jesus a su entrada en Jerusalén', and Maria Santisima de la Paz brotherhoods.
PALACE OR "HOSPITAL DE LA ENCARNACIÓN" OR "DE BAZÁN" Situated on the Hospital Bazán street, it seems to have been built in the 16th century over 3 Arab homes making the rooms asymmetrical. Renaissance, Gothic and Mudejar elements have been combined in the construction of the same. In ancient times it was the home of Don Alonso de Bazan, Mayor of Castillo and Perpetual Regent of the city. Reformed and conditioned with great taste, it is presently used ad the Museum for Contemporary Spanish Engravings, considered to be one of the best in the world by critics.
IGLESIA NUESTRA SEÑORA DE LA ENCARNACIÓN church
The initial dating of the church goes back to 150; It began to be built in 1618, although the actual building was constructed at the beginning of the 18th century. The structure is a basilic type with three naves in Baroque style. The portal is stone and is Rococo style. Inside and in the part destined to the choir, you would highlight the Sol Mayor Organ, considered to be one of the most important to have been built in Spain in the past 125 years.
The MIRAFLORES FARMHOUSE In the year 1706, Don Tomás Francisco Dominguez y Godoy built a country house on a plot known as the Prado de San Francisco. As youll as building the lodging areas, he also provided the house with an oil and sugar mill. The building underwent various modifications and enlargements over the years until in the first half of the 19th Century Don Antonio Dominguez Albuquerque finally shaped the house as what it is today, and it was precisely in those years when the building began to be known as the Cortijo de Miraflores. After having been abandoned for many years, the actual municipal team is now finishing the rebuilding and conditioning of the house in order for it to become an exhibition hall and an area for other types of cultural activities, among which it will be possible to see how the ancient system worked to extract oil from the olive.
The SANTO CRISTO church Considered to be one of the most ancient Christian buildings in Marbella, the construction of the same dates back to the 16th century although the building was enlarged in the 18th and a camarin tower was added. The church has one sole nave and inside you would highlight the choir area, which stands at the foot of a Toscana column that plunges into the baptismal pool situated underneath.
The CALVARIO HERMITAGE Situated next to the church and the parish with the same name, this simple building from the 18th century is situated on a small Hill known also with the name of El Calvario. It is a single roomed building although it has another small room next to it that at some point in time served as home to a hermit. The arched doorway with a pointed top opens among the moulds and are all crowned with an ocelot. To the right of the facade is a small rectangular entrance with a half pointed archway with a concave and convex finish.
BEACHES
Marbella has 27 kilometres of coastline distributed in 24 different beaches within the municipality. Here is a list of the names and characteristics of each:
Location: Situated within the town of San Pedro de Alcantara, next to the Guadalmina urbanization,
Length: 1.600 m long and 30 m.
Location: Situated close to the town of San Pedro Alcantara, next to the Linda Vista Urbanization,
Length: 550m long and 40m wide
|
SAN PEDRO DE ALCANTARA BEACH |
Location: This beach is situated in the urban area of San Pedro de Alcantara,
Length: 1 km long beach and 35 m wide
Location: Situated in the area of the urbanizations, next to Nueva Andalucia and close to Puerto Banus,
Length: 1.100m long and 30m wide,
Location: Situated within Nueva Andalucia, to the west of Puerto Banus.
Length: 1 km long and 50 m wide
Location: Situated within the area of the Rio Verde Urbanization, next to the river with the same name
Length: it is a 1.200 m long beach and 30 m wide
Location: Situated next to the El Ancon Urbanization.
Length: 900 meters long and 20 meters wide
Location: Situated on the Golden Mile of Marbella, next to the Marbella Club Urbanization.
Length: 800 meters long and some 50 meters wide
Location: Situated within the urbanization area, more precisely at the Casa Blanca Urbanization.
Length: It is 2 KM long and 45 m wide
Location: Situated within the urban area of Marbella and is
Length: 800 m long and 30 m wide
Location: Situated to the West of the Leisure Port in Marbella, more concretely between the Port entrance and the breaker, in the very center of Marbella.
Length: 300 m long and 35 m wide
Location: Situated in urban area of Marbella, close to the Marbella Sports Port and finalizing at the limit with the Represa River,
Length: 500 m long and 40 meters wide
Location: Situated in the urban area of Marbella, close to the fishing port and neighbourhood.
Length: 700 m long and 35 m wide
Location: Situated in a mainly un-built area, reaching from the Fishing Port to the Rio Real River
Length: 1.300 m long and 40 m wide
Location: Situated in a semi-urban area, next to the Los Monteros Urbanization.
Length: 1.500m long and 30m wide
Location: This beach is in a semi-urban area, next to the Bahia de Marbella Urbanization.
Length: 2 km in length and 50 m width.
Location: Situated in a semi-urban area, surrounded by urbanizations with low buildings.
Length: 1.900 m long and 35 m wide
Location: Situated in a semi urban area, next to the Real de Zaragoza Urbanization.
Length: 1.800 m long and 50 m wide
Location: Situated in a semi urban area, next to the river of the same name.
Length: 650 m long and 35 m wide
Location: Situated in a semi urban area, next to the urbanization of the same name.
Length: 1.000m long and 40 m wide
Location: This beach, within 2 km from from Elviria Hills, is located between the Don Carlos Hotel and the Romana Playa hotel,
Length: 35 m wide
Location: Situated in a semi-urban area, next to the Marbesa Urbanization.
Length: 1.200 m long and 10 m wide.
Location: Situated in a protected sand dune area, known as LAS DUNAS DE ARTOLA, next to the Cabopino Leisure Port.
Length. 1.500 m long and 25 m wide,
Location: Situated on the Eastern limit of the municipality of Marbella.
Length: 900 m long and 30 m wide
NIGHTLIFE
ou must have visited Marbella yourself in order to be able to imagine how much nightlife can take place in such a small location.
During summer season you'll find here all the Rich and Famous and Beautiful, and even if, as a "normal" visitor, one is excluded of their private parties, you may enjoy seeing their luxury yachts and cars. And perhaps, in one of the discotheques of the better hotels, you will be elbow to elbow with a filmstar or another prominent personage. Anyhow, everyone, will get entertained here.
In Puerto Banus you will find exactly the ambience you might have thought before that existed only in cinema. And if you dispose of the banking-account of an Arabian oil-sheik, the many night-bars and the Casino offer 1001 ways to decrease it considerably.
In the center of town you may enjoy of the contrast between the structures of international top tourism with the ambience of a small Spanish town. On Plaza de los Naranjos and in the narrow streets close to it there are beautiful summer-terraces, very often with the additional attraction of performances by international top bands.
|
