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Marbella: History

Once a sleepy Spanish fishing village, now a playground for the rich and famous, Marbella's fantastic climate, beautiful beaches, thriving night life and plentiful golf courses all help make it one of the most popular destinations on the Mediterranean.

c. 1600BC Marbella is founded by the Romans.

c. 510ADMuslims colonise the area and Islamic rule begins. The town is known as Marbil-la.

1485 Marbella falls to Spanish Christians

1725 the San Luis fort is constructed to guard against pirates.

1946 Prince Alfonso von Hohenlohe spots Marbella's tourism potential and buys finca Santa Margarita - later the Marbella Club.

1959 The Guadalmina golf course opens, kick starting the local golfing industry.

1995 Marbella sees a major building boom under the leadership of Mayor Jesús Gil y Gil.