Costa del Sol property blog

Marbella is a city located in the province of Malaga on the Costa del Sol. It is quite a large city, with over 100.000 inhabitants. Marbella is best known as the playground for the rich and famous and has been a favourite destination for many wealthy tourists from Northern Europe.

Like areas such as Fuengirola, there is archaeological evidence that indicates previous Phoenician, Carthaginian and roman settlements. Historically little of significance happened in the area until the 1940s.

In the 1940 an event took place which lead Marbella down the path to what it is today. Alfonso de Hohenlohe was travelling through the area when he experienced a problem with his Rolls-Royce. While in the area, he was so taken with Marbella, then a village of 900, that he decided to buy land and marketed the area as a tourist destination.

By 1954 Alfonso opened the Marbella Club Hotel. With his aristocratic ties, the hotel soon became popular with members of Europe’s ruling classes, and those privileged to socialise with them.

Another aristocratic person who had a serious impact on the area was Prince Fahd. Until his death in 2005 he was a frequent guest at Marbella, where his retinue of over a thousand people spent vast sums.

As with most cases, wealth attracts wealth and an array of millionaires and billionaires holidayed in the area.

But not until the 1991 election when Jesus Gil came to power did Marbella see its greatest change. He used, as an international spokesman for the city, actor Sean Connery to improve its international image.

The city went through a an era extensive building activity under the administration of Gil,  and although criticised  building without regards existing urban plan a this did not convince enough voters to oust him and Spanish celebrities continued to spend summers there.

By 2002 investigations of corruption eventually forced, Jesus Gil resign after being jailed for diverting public funds for to Atlético Madrid (his football club).

He was succeeded by Julian Muñoz, who was then replaced by Marisol Yagüe. All 3 mayors have been brought up on charges of corruption for which they have been found guilty. On April 8, 2006, the Spanish government decided to suspend the council, the first time such a course of action was taken in Spanish democracy. An unenviable first for any municipality.

For those looking to visit Marbella, the town offers a range of modern facilities as well as many cultural activities. It is famous for its nightlife, including the famous Puerto Banus and the myriad of Salvador Dali statues that can be found around the town.

Marbella information

Regards
Andrew Belles