Marbella - considered the most fashionable and elite resort on the Costa del Sol. However, in addition to luxurious and modern villas and buildings, Marbella also has interesting historical sights. One of these attractions is the old city of Marbella.
The old city of Marbella (Casco Antiguo) is included and, perhaps, tops the list of the most striking and visited attractions of Marbella.
The old town of Marbella is composed of two historic districts: the Barrio Alto, which extends to the North and the Barrio Nuevo, located in the Eastern part of the centre.
The historic center of Marbella is located in the heart of the city close to the coastal strip, on the one hand the old town is bordered by green Park, Arola de La Represa, and with another - a small Alameda Park, heading through which you will be on the famous walk of Marbella with sculptures by Salvador Dali - Avenida del Mar.
The old town of Marbella although small, it can be easily explored on foot in an hour with a small but well restored and very impressive. Here, the low white building in typical Andalusian style with lots of greenery and flowers on the facades, standing right next to each other along the narrow and winding streets, where you'll also find an abundance of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants.
The streets of the old quarter of Marbella at its core is narrow and winding, but there are also broader. Some of the streets are pedestrianised, while others are open for the passage of vehicles. There are more visited streets, and there are secluded and remote.
One of the most popular and Central streets of the old town is the street Peral
In addition to walking through the streets, the old town also has something to see - it's small squares and churches, historical monuments and museums.
On the area of concentrated abundance of cafes and restaurants.
The most visited and beautiful square of the old city of Marbella is the Orange Square or the Plaza Naranjos (Plaza de los Naranjos). The square is very picturesque, it is planted with citrus trees and is a vivid example of the Castilian Renaissance.
Around the square are two historic buildings and the fountain:
- The city Hall (Mairie) in the Renaissance style, built in 1568 by the Catholic monarchs;
- the chapel of Ermita de Santiago (Ermita de Santiago) is the oldest religious building in the city, built earlier than the square itself, so looks a bit distracting from the architectural ensemble, believed to date back to the 15th century chapel is built;
- next to the chapel is a small 16th century fountain.
The center of the square is decorated with the bust of king Juan Carlos the First. In addition to the attractions in the area: places to stay, where to relax, enjoying the smells and orange trees, and the perimeter of the area the abundance of cafes and restaurants.
The Church of St. Mary Encarnacion or Our Lady of the Incarnation (Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de la Encarnacion) is perhaps the brightest and highest building of the old city. IInitially, the construction of the Church dates back to the 15th century, but later it was restored. The facade of the Church looks simple but elegant, the entrance to the Church in the Rococo style carved in stone ochre. And the tall, rectangular bell tower, from afar conspicuous, having a 50 meter height, crowned with mosaicity pyramidal roof and a weather vane in the form of an angel.
The interior of the church, on the one hand, is simple, and on the other, gilding with luxurious carvings immediately catches your eye.
This Church is located on a small and very interesting Plaza De La Iglesia, or, as it is called, Church square.
Near the square is the Capilla Santo Sepulcro. The Shrine was built in 1994 on the former site of the hospital.
The chapel of San Juan de Dios or as it is called the chapel of St. John of God (Capilla San Juan De Dios), Dating back to the 16th century buildings. This small chapel was built by the Catholic monarchs in the old building of the former Royal hospital.
The Plaza of the Holy Christ (Plaza Santo Cristo), although modest in size, is very picturesque, and all this thanks to the bright multi-colored buildings located along the perimeter of the square and which are its undoubted decorations. The center of the square is decorated with a beautiful fountain with a statue of the Virgin Mary.
In addition to its striking appearance, the square is also famous for the fact that its main dominant is the chapel of Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz or the Holy Cross Vera Cruz “Hermitage of the Holy Christ of the True Cross” (Ermita del Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz / Ermita del Santo Cristo de Marbella) with ceramic mosaic dome. The chapel was built in the 15th century and then expanded in the 18th century. The main facade above the entrance to the chapel has a stone coating, while the rest of the building is traditionally plastered, which is a characteristic feature of Andalusia.
Victory Square (Plaza de la Victoria) - a small green square, is truly beautiful, because in comparison with other squares of the old city of Marbella it has a lot of greenery and is relatively calm. Here you can relax in the shade of spreading crowns. Decorations of the square are the fountain and bust of Don Jaime De Mora (Bust of Don Jaime De Mora).
Along Remedios Street is the Virgin Gornacina of Suffering (Hornacina Virgen De Los Dolores) dating back to the 17th century.
On the outskirts of the old town is well preserved ruins remaining from the Arab fortress of Murallas del Castillo (Muralla del Castillo/Las). Currently, remains of the defensive walls of the once Grand castle are historic cultural monument from the 15th century. Particularly well the ancient city walls can be seen from the street Portada and Arte, near Represa Park.
Here, perhaps, and all major sights of the old town of Marbella! Yes, those not so much, and the old town itself is of modest size, however, fans of winding streets and history, this quarter will probably be very interesting. At least we can definitely advise to visit the old town of Marbella. For us this place has become a terrific pastime along with visiting the most fashionable and famous port of Spain - Puerto Banus Marbella.
In addition to the listed attractions, the old city is good in itself, and a walk along it brings a lot of positive emotions. The old town still has many small squares and narrow streets, the main decoration of which, in addition to interesting buildings, are small restaurants whose tables are located right on the streets of the old city of Marbella.
