Marbella

A favourite destination on the Costa deal Sol and popular throughout the world, the city of Marbella is an attractive destination for a wide range of people. Situated In the foothills of the Sierra Blanca mountain range, it's a place with a cosmopolitan atmosphere, is well situated for travel along this coast, plus has all the shops and services expected in a modern city. There's the great beaches, of course - as mentioned in a previous blog, plus an abundance of sunny days throughout the year. Some of the best golf courses in Europe and a couple of Michelin star restaurants can also be added to this city's attributes….so no wonder it's the most visited city in Spain!
For us, though, it's the old town of Marbella that pulls us in. This city has an interesting history - it's thought that it might have been occupied by the Phoenicians in the 7th century - but although there's little proof of that, the old town was definitely occupied by the Romans when it was called Salduba (Salt City).
Getting off the bus in town, we first took a walk down to the Paseo Maritimo (promenade), which is filled with restaurants and cafés of every type and in every price range, all facing out towards the sparkling Mediterranean. By the old port authority building there's a large modern fountain, which can be reached by taking a pathway leading out from the beach. Although there seems to be no information about it, I believe it has to be linked to the natural water source that is close by - "La Fontilla." Mentioned in the mid 1800's, this freshwater spring bubbles out of the ground in several areas, including the opening located along this stretch of the shore. Although most of the time it's covered by waves, the water is apparently, "sweet and delicate."

Leaving the seafront behind we walked through a permanent, outdoor exhibition of Dali sculptures. On a paved area, over an underground car-park, with high-rises on either side, it's actually quite an attractive area. These statues, including Mercury and Don Quijote, face out towards the sea and lead into La Alameda Park. The park is full of exotic plants and palm trees, with a beautiful fountain at its centre. The large fountain is decorated with lovely tiles, as are the Andulusian benches found throughout this shady area. The park, which is a famous landmark right in the city centre, is directly across the road from the old town.
We crossed over the main street and entered this area of lovely old architecture that's filled with art galleries, boutiques, churches, cafés and restaurants. Plaza de los Naranjos (Orange square) is the centre of the old town - and on this spring day certainly lived up to its name. The air was filled with a strong scent of orange blossom and the first-growth oranges were over ripe…..occasionally dropping off the trees! Built after the Christians had reconquered the area in 1485, Plaza de Los Naranjos became the centre of its administrative and economic power. The square boasts 3 historical buildings - the Town Hall, the old Governor's House and the Chapel of Santiago. With a bust of King Juan Carlos 1 in the centre, the square is full of flowers. Although many of the buildings of Muslim origin were destroyed, a trace of them remains. A fountain, built in 1504, and erected by the first Christian mayor of Marbella, stands at the corner of the square and Nuevo Sreet.
We strolled around the winding little streets and alleyways of the old town, taking a look inside its main church - The Inglesia Mayor de La Encarnación, a 16th century church that sits in its own lovely square, close to the medieval walls and the castle. Building started in 1520 using part of the minaret of the old mosque. A mix of Baroque, Renaissance and Gothic styles it was rebuilt after the civil war of the 1930s.
While following the old castle walls around and meandering through that part of the old town, we encountered some small children just leaving school for the day….we enjoyed watching their outside play, in a picture-perfect old cobbled square. We continued up a winding, cobbled street, stumbling upon the Hermitage del Santo Cristo - in a tiny plaza of the same name. The fountain in its centre bubbled quietly, the church was closed - the area was small and peaceful and had an almost magical feel to it. With a few small traditional houses, an old scooter was parked outside one of them, adding a touch of whimsy to the scene. We reluctantly turned around, breaking the spell, and headed back to the city centre to find our bus stop.

**One travel tip - go to Marbella for the beaches, day-clubs, shopping, nightlife - or whatever else you like to do when visiting a coastal city….but the old town is a must - it's only a short distance - but a world away from the scene down at the beach!**