We’re not the first to fall in love with Marbella

CascoMarbellaMarbella is widely known as one of the most desirable places to visit and live in the Mediterranean region, but with so much focus on its modern-day pleasures few people realise that this is also a region rich in history. As a result, the story of the town is a long one, with 2,700 year-old artefacts dating back to Phoenician traders having been found in the Río Real area just east of Marbella.

When it comes to visible evidence of the older incarnations of Marbella, many visitors are happy to visit the popular Old Town, with its Renaissance Plaza de los Naranjos, medieval town walls and historic churches, yet what many people do not realise is that there are many more ancient sights to discover all around.

A Roman villa near Puerto Banús
PuenteRomana
Head along the Golden Mile towards Puerto Banús and you can find evidence amongst the opulent modern villas that property has been desirable in these parts for thousands of years. While the renowned Puente Romano Hotel does indeed have a Roman bridge within its grounds – originally part of the Via Augusta road that connected Cádiz to Rome – a little further on are the remains of the Río Verde Roman Villa.

Discovered in 1960, its most impressive preserved features are beautiful black and white mosaic floors dating back to the 1st century AD, with designs said to be unique. A great deal of archaeological work has been undertaken in recent years on the site, which is tucked away amongst today’s luxury homes, just one kilometre from Puerto Banús. Viewing hours are limited to help preserve the site and are generally restricted to Thursdays from 11am to 1pm.

BañosSan Pedro Alcántara’s first spa
Further along the coast in San Pedro de Alcántara you will find more archaeological remains among the villas by the beach near Guadalmina. Within a short stroll from the sea are 3rd century Roman thermal baths that can be regarded as the forerunner of today’s spas. It is amazing to think that Romans once lazed by in the octagonal patio with a pool at its centre, enjoying massages and hot steam treatments in an area thought to have originally been covered with a glass cupola.

A little further along the beach, ensconced amid a stand of eucalyptus trees, is the Vega del Mar Basilica– an early Christian church dating back to the 6th century. The remains reveal the architectural style of the Visigoths, a Germanic tribe that came to dominate the Iberian Peninsula after the collapse of the Roman Empire and was in turn converted from paganism to Christianity. The site is of particular historical RioVerde1importance as it is among the finest examples of a very rare kind of structure in Spain today. Though once dotted across the length and breadth of Spain, few early Christian churches of this kind survived the destruction or conversion to mosques that occurred during the Muslim period.

Río Real: golf, luxurious beach clubs and archaeology
On the other side of Marbella, set next to the leafy golf course and not far from the luxurious Trocadero Arena beach club, is the Río Real archaeological site. Truly ancient, it was built during the Phoenician period, as far back as the 7th century BC. Rare ceramics and bowls have been found here as well as a building that is currently being excavated by archaeologists trying to unravel its past. It is thought that the site, which is very close to the mouth of the river, was probably associated with iron mines, once an important industry in the area.

It goes to show that people have been attracted to Marbella not just since the creation of the Costa del Sol in the 1950s, but actually for thousands of years. And why not, with its lovely scenery, benevolent climate and perfect location on the shores of the Mediterranean? If you too are looking to buy a home in Marbella we have a selection of top quality properties for you in the finest areas. Click here for more information.