Marbella And Its Fascinating History
Discoveries have shown that long before the birth of Jesus Christ, the beautiful Sierra Blanca Mountains were populated as several ancient human settlements have been found there. The Sierra Blanca Mountains are right next to Marbella, guarding its peace and quiet, making sure that the city flourishes. Hundreds of objects were discovered here dating back to the Paleolithic or the Neolithic eras, so to say that Marbella is one of the oldest cities in Spain is true.
Archaeologists have a great deal of work around Marbella and excavations are constantly under way. This is how scientists discovered the fact that the Punic and the Phoenician civilizations were interested in the beautiful city of Marbella as far back as the 7th century BC.
Rio Real is the area where you can visit some of the remains discovered by archaeologists. Of course, the Romans were also interested in Marbella, as this has always been a very prosperous city, and the Romans were generally interested in all the flourishing cities in Spain.
Their impact is visible in the Rio Verde area, but you should also visit the Thermal Baths and the remains in the Old Town of Marbella. The Visigoths represent another civilization that ruled over Marbella after the Romans. One of the most important monuments left behind by the Visigoths as their legacy is the outstanding Vega del Mar Basilica that you simply cannot miss.
Other civilizations
The Moors were extremely interested in all the Spanish cities. In fact, most of the cities in Spain have a very strong connection to the Islamic civilization as can be seen in their histories and architecture. The Moors imposed upon Spain their own original and unique style, so many parts of Marbella look as they do today because of this Moorish influence. For example, the Moors left an imposing fortification around the Vega del Mar Basilica, a fortification that can still be seen today.
The year 1485 is the year when the Moors lost Marbella to King Fernando. This is how the Christians took control of the entire country as similar events were happening in many other prosperous cities in Spain. Marbella today is a very important industrial center for Spain, the second largest in the country. It is also a very important agricultural area and the city has become famous due to its historical attractions, its good wine and its tasty food. You should definitely visit Marbella, because it is well worth it!