Marbella has centuries of history and different cultures which have left their traces throughout the municipality and particularly on the historic centre. There are substantial numbers of Roman, Arabic and Christian remains in the Old Town which have been magnificently preserved.
The Roman civilization left varying evidence of its past on our region. In the heart of the Old Town are traces of the Roman occupation: three capitals can be made out on the Castle walls.
Under the Muslim domination the configuration of the town during the first two hundred years of occupation is still not clear. It was in the 10th century that the Castle was built. In a later era a large wall was erected to protect nearby settlements.
The town surrendered to King Fernando the Catholic on 11 June 1485. After the reconquest, it was repopulated by people from many different places. Marbella remained a town that depended directly on the monarchy who assigned a mayor as Governor.
And the reality of Marbella came about in the second half of the 20th century, when the progressive tourist development which began in the sixties transformed this area into one of the most important components in the global tourist scene.
Marbella is one of the best known Spanish Cities, not only in Spain, but also on the international level. Its geographical location provides a special microclimate with mild temperatures throughout the year, an average of 18,7 degrees and generous sunshine within twelve months.
This is certainly, one of the charms of a city always wrapped in light with world-wide tourism as basic activity through a wide range of possibilities: 26 km of beaches, 17 golf courses, luxury hotels, well-known restaurants, four marinas, among which the most famous Puerto Banus, the really cozy old town, cultural activities, an intense night life and a really beautiful natural environment.
The best and most exclusive brand names in the world in Puerto Banús, the charming shops of the Old Town and the city center, the weekly markets and the shopping centres. It is a vibrant 24-hour town, and features Spain's top night spots, which range from large but exclusive discotheques to pubs and chill outs, in the ports and on the beach fronts.
Marbella has one of the most comprehensive range of hotel offers in Europe, two international airports barely 45 minutes away, top-level infrastructures and communication networks and a modern Palace of Congresses are the perfect incentive for any company or international organization to hold their meetings and conventions in Marbella.
