Marbella is much more than the jet set: although its beaches and nightclubs are universally renowned, this location is full of wonderful secrets known to very few. Such as for example, the notable archaeological heritage and various museums; culture lovers can find a huge offer here.
If this is the case, pay a visit to the old town of Marbella, which has maintained its 16th century layout and old walls almost intact. One of the most picturesque places is the beautiful Plaza de los Naranjos, a legacy of the Renaissance Period. It is surrounded by the town hall, built in 1568 by the Catholic monarchs, the Mayor's house (Casa del Alcalde) which combines Gothic, Renaissance and Mudejar elements, and the Chapel of Santiago, the oldest religious building in Marbella, which probably dates back to the 15th century.
Among other interesting buildings to see in the city centre are the church of Santa Maria de la Encarnación (1618), the Casa del Roque, the vestiges of the Moorish castle, the Chapel of San Juan de Dios, the Royal Hospital of Mercy and Bazán Hospital, where the Contemporary Spanish Engraving Museum is located. Among the installations one can admire the works of great artists such as Dalí, Miró, Picasso, Tàpies and Chillida.
An absolute must for those visiting Barrio Alto is the Hermitage of Santo Cristo de la Vera Cruz which was built in the 15th century and extended in the 18th century. Conversely, the Barrio Nuevo neighbourhood, which is separated from the city walls by a dam, lacks monumental buildings, but offers typical whitewashed houses with wooden beams, orchards and small farmyards.
This atmosphere is completely opposite to the elegant and luxurious Golden Mile of Marbella, a 6.4 km stretch that begins at the western end of the city and extends to Puerto Banús. Some of the most luxurious villas and houses in Marbella are located here, such as King Fahd's palace with spectacular sea and mountain views.
Finally, you should visit the ruins of the Roman villa of Rio Verde. Built in the second century A.D., it has notable original mosaics inside and was declared part of the Historical Cultural Heritage of Spain.