History Of Marbella

Marbella is a city with a long and interesting history dating back thousands of years, although the most significant periods of its development can be seen in the last few centuries. Even as recently as 45 years ago, it was little more than an agricultural town, resembling nothing close to the tourist hotspot that it has now become.

Pre Roman

Historical evidence exists to suggest there were settlers in the region several thousand years before Christ, with artefacts discovered that have been dated back to the Paleolithic and Neolithic ages. Newer discoveries also suggest that there were Phoenician and Punic settlers in the region around 7BC, while further evidence such as the Rio Verde Roman Villa and the Guadalmina Thermal Baths indicates early Roman influences.

Moors occupation

However, the first significant period in the town’s history is noted as the period of Islamic rule, during which time it became a walled city surrounded by a moat. The Muslims fortified their city considerably with the building of a castle and the creation of just three entrances off the moat from the sea, from Ronda and Malaga. While the moat and the walls are no longer present, the city still boasts the presence of the castle.

19th Century

With the arrival of the 19th century, settlements were made in Spain, El Angel and in La Concepcion with the purpose of exploiting the treasures considered available in the Sierra Blanca Mines. At this time, Marbella grew in importance, becoming part of Malaga’s industrial movement and gaining a reputation as the peninsula’s second most important industrial province.

Post WWII

During the 1940s, Marbella’s population numbered as few as 900 residents; however, the growth of the town’s tourist industry as well as its recognisation as a ‘universal city’, have led to an influx of people migrating to the area, with current population figures numbering some 100,000 residents.