Marbella Town Hall, in its constant effort to promote the knowledge of the history and value of archaeological sites of the city, has recently published a book titled “Paulo, el magistrado de Salduba” which talks about the history of the region.

The presentation of the book by the city council was a part of the programme of activities commemorating the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Agricultural Colony of San Pedro (Fundacion de la Colonia Agricola de San Pedro).

The book written by Jose Antonio Castillo is a reflection about the past of the region, in this case, from the point of view of a family that lived in the sixth and seventh centuries.

Talking about the author, Jose Antonio Castillo is a geographer and a teacher who has authored several books on Serrania de Ronda, and has also written books on Andalusian gastronomy.

As explained by the author, this new book is a multidisciplinary novel which talks about the historic environment, archaeology and geography, while the plot revolves around the life of Paulo and his sons with a succession of human values. Here readers can identify archaeological remains attest to the origin of the current Marbella and San Pedro.

Out of the 2000 copies published, about 1,300 are already sent to different municipal libraries and schools. In addition, this book will also be available at the Book Fair of San Pedro, which kicks off this Friday, the 25th and runs until July 11.

The Archaeological Collection of Marbella is a project funded and managed by the Town Hall that aims to save and promote the rich history of the City by restoring numerous historical remains scattered throughout the city.

For the purpose, the City has developed several lines of action which include surveys, collection, exhibition and various other promotional and cultural activities to encourage active participation of people along with over all dissemination of the archaeological richness of Marbella.

As informed by the project head Calixto Rodriguez, the municipality will first try to recover all valuable historic objects, whether lying somewhere or at private hands, emphasising on the facts of their importance to city’s culture and knowledge of its past.

Going by some initial project requirements, the City Council will facilitate the establishment of museums and library that will further help in storage, exhibition and dissemination of information.

One of the primary objectives of the project is the spreading of cultural values of the goods through solo exhibitions, archaeological workshops, and other education programmes for students. Also, there will be promotional tours to various historical sites throughout the city.

Moreover, the programme of action also includes recovery of the wealth of archaeological remains that are to be salvaged by archaeologists carrying out excavations in the district. And realizing the magnitude of the project, the Marbella Town Hall is also intended to work in collaboration with the University of Malaga.

La Feria de San Bernabé is a festive week long fair that brings peoples (and work!) are cast to one side for the locals. Schools are on holiday,  from all around the world together each June in celebration of Marbella’s town saint, San Bernabé. It is a time of year that all worriebusinesses shut down and the working world is asleep while the town centre and fairgrounds are abuzz with activity from noon to dawn.

This colourful event is a riotous combination of flamenco, typical dances of Andalusia, bullfighting, parades of horse carriages and music for the young and old. Yet, it is on June 11th that the towns people of Marbella comes alive to pay homage to the life of San Bernabé.

According to the Biblical legend, Saint Bernabé gave money to the Apostles to distribute to the poor. Born with the birthname of Joseph, it was after this generous act that the apostles awarded him the name San Bernabé which means “he who makes an effort” or “he who encourages others”. The Bible in the book of the Facts of the Apostles, praises Bernabé as such: “Bernabé was a good, full man of faith and Spirito Santo”.

San Bernabé continued assisting the poor throughout his lifetime and thus became a legend in the villages that he visited. It is this great saint that Marbella has adopted as their patron saint centuries ago and he who Marbella pays homage to on the designated day of June 11th.

San Bernabe definitely takes center stage in the Marbella feria each June but, in fact, there is an additional event that is also being celebrated during these festivities. It is the Commemoration of the Christian Conquest, a significant turning point in the history of Marbella, and of Southern Spain.

On the 11th of June they remember the final defeat of the Arabs in this area in the year 1485. This was led by the Spanish monarchs Isabel and Ferdinand, known as Los Reyes Católicos, who expelled the Arabs and regained control of the kingdom. The resulting significance was the change of Muslims ruling to a Christian ruling. On June 11th locals place lights on balconies and in doorways in remembrance of this day.

What feria would be complete without a grandiose procession? On this day, the 11th of June, the masses of spectators take to the shaded streets to stand and await the patron saints image which slowly and majestically makes its way through the town, carried on the shoulders of important townspeople. There are two separate processions; one in the morning to commemorate the Reconquista, or Reconquest and in the afternoon, there is another procession in honour of San Bernabé.

To the town of Marbella, this is their time to shine, to present to all the visitors from near and far the importance and glory of their town’s history. The music, dance, food and events are all just one way to show their pride in Marbella. Their enthusiasm is contagious and everyone leaves the La Feria de San Bernabé a bit exhausted and a bit better.

Marbella is not just a crowded town for its natural ambiance and luxury life, but a medieval city that holds a deep-rooted past with much significance in Spaniard history. The Old Town or “Casco Antiguo” is just a testimony to the said statement.

As the name suggests, this part of the resort town is full of historic monuments and objects in those narrow and quite streets, although most of these are now jam-packed with shops, restaurants and cafes.

Here in the Old Town, one can easily view a blend of Islamic and Catholic Spanish culture from the remains of those mixed architectural design monuments. Moreover, the periodical takeover and makeover of the town by different dynasties, and now the foray of modern life have together displays a unique character.

Surrounded by the remains of the old Muslim walls, Marbella Old Town is a home to many interesting sights, including the Plaza de los Naranjos which has been the centre of commercial and political life in Marbella for centuries.

Moorish Walls
Those walls were originally built by the Muslims caliph in order to avoid future invades. However, after the re-conquest of Marbella from the Moorish occupation by King Ferdinand III in 1485 these had some modification, but still stand as some of the rare evidences of Islamic rule.

Plaza de los Naranjos
Dating back to 1485, Plaza de los Naranjos or the Orange Square is located at the heart of the Old Town. Surrounded by whitewashed houses, this is undoubtedly the most beautiful part of the town which offers some quiet places to sit back and relax. Over the years, it has got quite a few names: Main Square, Constitution Square, and Isabel II Square.

The place generally consists of three main historical buildings – a 16th century town hall, the old governor’s house and the Santiago’s Chapel. The gardens inside the square are full of flowers and orange trees from which it derives its name.

- Precisely built in 1568, the Town hall is located at the north corner of the Orange Square. It was a prison during the 19th century but now has been preserved in its old form. The old town is now emerging as a shopping district with significant contribution in the business activities of Marbella.

- The 16th century (1552) built Chapel (Hermitage) of Santiago and the Museum for Contemporary Spanish Engravings are the other two important archeological sites to look for.

Church of Saint Mary
It is one of the most prominent buildings of Old Town that connotes the influence of Catholicism in Marbella’s history. Church of Saint Mary is located at a walking distance from the Town Hall and the Moorish walls. Its entrance gate, made up of red stone, is a perfect example of baroque style of art, architecture [The ornamentation style architecture flourished in Europe in the 17th century].

Magistrates Court
The construction of Magistrates Court or the Chief Magistrate’s House was started in 1552 under the Autrian dynasty. This is one of the oldest buildings in Marbella with an archway on the upper floor. Built with a mixture of Gothic and Renaissance architectural style, the building has a stone facade.

Chapel of Saint John
Dates back to 16th century, “Capilla de San Juan de Dios” or the Chapel of Saint John is a Christian building built by the Spanish catholic ruler in a very simple design. But the presence of a portal with a half point archway and carved doorways with religious touch show the exact impression of a cultural amalgamation of Islam and Christianity.

Eating out & Shopping – Marbella Old Town also has many restaurants where one can enjoy the typical Andalusian cuisines. Besides, there are few shopping centers, and crafts shops where you can buy some gifts materials or objects as precious holiday souvenirs.

The Old Town of Marbella certainly has a great meaning in the history of the city and also to some extent to the entire development of modern Spanish culture and people. Travelers can easily witness the cultural and religious diversity while exploring the historic monuments built by rulers of different times with their inclination to two major religions.