Getting To Know Marbella Town

Marbella has always been a popular destination! The Phoenicians and the Romans stopped in. When the Muslims arrived they built a huge walled in castle and a thriving medina (Arabic for "city.") When the Moors were expelled, the castle and the medina were torn down and rebuilt - this is the area that constitutes Old Town. While walking through Old Town's narrow windy streets, you encounter shrines honouring the Virgin Mary - it is a perfect blend of the Christian and Islamic cultures.

Start off on C/ Salinas at the ruined walls of the Moorish fortress built by Abderraman III in the X century. It is the only construction that still remains from the Muslim era. Then, head into Plaza de San Bernabé (named after the patron saint of Marbella.)

Walk down C/ Viento until you reach C/ Alonso de Bazán where you will find the Old Bazán Hospital (XVI c.) This traditional style Andalusian building with its tower, tiled roof and whitewashed walls, houses the Contemporary Spanish Engravings.

admission: 3€
tue - sat 10:00 - 14:00 / 17:30 - 20:30
museum: 952 765 741

Now turn up C/ Trinidad until you reach the impressive church called Iglesia de la Encarnación (XVII c.) in Plaza de la Iglesia, a fruit tree lined square. Built over a span of 200 years, this church is a mixture of Baroque and Rococo. Visits are permitted during mass only. Mass: 08:00, 10:00, 11:00, 18:00 & 19:00 daily.

From here, follow C/ Ortiz de Molinillos, the street with all the souvenir shops, up to Plaza de los Naranjos. By day, orange trees fill the square with their fragrance and by night the essence of "dama de noche" is unforgettable.

The Ayuntamiento first built in 1568, has been Marbella's town hall for four and a half centuries. Inside there is an archaeological display and to the left a tourist office.

In the Square, note the Renaissance fountain and the façade of the Casa del Corregidor, the Chief Magistrate's House (XVI c.) It has a mixture of Gothic Mudejar and Renaissance architecture.

The Santiago Chapel (XV c.) Ermita de Santiago is adjacent to the Plaza de los Naranjos. It is considered to be the oldest religious monument in the city. It was built immediately after the Moors were vanquished from Spain by the Catholic Kings.

If you are in the mood to have a bite to eat, this is the place. There is a typical Andalusian restaurant, The Cortijo, on C/ Remedios 5. This small restaurant is old fashioned and a big hit with locals; they serve local dishes. Tel: 952 770 064 .

Another option is the Esquina on C/ Aduar 12 - a very traditional spot with Andalusian / Mediterranean cuisine. Reservations are obligatory as they only have 4 tables!

Tel: 952 765 277 / Mob: 662 070 762

The Ceuta Restaurant on C/ Buitrago, has a very relaxed atmosphere. Great for a quick green salad, some fried fish or some tapas.

Tel: 952 770 059

After lunch have a wander. Get lost in the windy streets of Old Town and discover the nooks and crannies. White washed houses boast potted geraniums on their traditional wrought iron balconies. Look for the Virgen's corner, "Balcón de la Virgen," on C/ Remedios, and take a wander down C/ Virgen de los Dolores and C/ de San Cristóbal.

Make your way down to Avda. Ramón y Cajal which is (the continuation of Avda. Ricardo Soriano.) Cross Avda. Ramón y Cajal into Parque de la Alameda, Alameda Park. In the 18th century this park extended across the city. It is full of greenery, palm trees, jasmine and bougainvillea.

Located in the corner of the park is the Marbella Cafe, probably the best known and most frequented cafe in the city. It is a great place to have a coffee and watch the passers by. It is the traditional meeting point in downtown Marbella as it is just a pace away from Old Town.

Immediately behind Alameda Park go south towards the sea along Avda. del Mar and you will see a half a dozen sculptures by Salvador Dalí Foundation.

The Burladero located on Avda. Miguel Cano 10 halfway between Alameda Park and the Paseo Maritimo, is a celebration of the national pastime: bullfighting. Open year round they have a sidewalk cafe and many small tables inside if you prefer not to lean against the bar. Bull heads, antique posters from the Marbella Bullring, banderillas and autographed photos make it an institution. If bullfighting is not your thing, carry on to the BEACH.

Marbella covers over 25 kilometres of coast and beaches and the city's promenade, stretches over 6 kilometres. This is the Milla de Oro, the stretch of beach that made Marbella what it is today. If you walk to your left you will slowly make your way to the Puerto Pesquero, the fisherman's port. When you arrive, close your eyes and pick a restaurant - here it is all catch of the day, fresh seafood.

Marbella Tourist Office

Tel: 952 771 442