Marbella

With the Sierra Blanca for background the city has grown around a small plateau, now occupied by an impressive castle built during the early centuries of the Muslim presence in al-Andalus. The builders utilised large stone ashlars and even the capitals of the large Roman building that previously stood in the same place.

We can visit the exterior and then continue through the streets. The town’s heart is the Plaza de los Naranjos, where we find buildings such as the Town Hall, the house of the Corregidor, with its beautiful 16th Century façade and the small church of Saint James. Nearby is the main church (Iglesia de la Encarnación) with its Rococo façade and Neo-classical interior.

The beautiful, Late Gothic Hospital Bazán is home to the Museum of Contemporary Spanish Engraving. It has a rich collection and is situated next to the remains of a Trinitarian convent. The chapel of San Juan de Dios, with its Mudejar coffered ceiling is also notable. In the nearby streets are picturesque corners formed by civil and religious buildings.

The city opens to the Mediterranean through the Alameda and the Avenida del Mar, with statues by Dali that lead us to the promenade and marina.

Then, if you wish we can go to Puerto Banus to admire its luxury. On the way, opposite the Hotel Puente Romano you can see the exterior of the mosque built by King Abdel Aziz of Saudi Arabia.