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There are many Marbellas, but the essence of

the authentic one passes through its historic center

.

A city with possible Phoenician origins and Roman and Muslim remains, its less remote past goes through the mining operations of the 19th century, which gave rise to the settlement of bourgeois families, several French, on its soil.

Shortly afterwards it was also a pioneering agricultural nucleus, all of which is reflected in its architecture: of Andalusian tradition and refined, it lives up to the name of the mountainous massif on whose slopes it is nestled, the Sierra Blanca.

White are its houses, which form a

labyrinthine complex

in which

niches

and chapels drilled into walls that date back beyond the 18th century

still survive

.

Getting lost in its narrow streets is in itself an experience. The

chapel of San Juan de Dios

, built by the Catholic Monarchs, or the imposing church of

Our Lady of the Incarnation

are two of its religious vestiges. But in the future of the walk, you almost accidentally reach the remains of the

old wall

, the essential Plaza de los Naranjos with the town hall, and

the stately Ancha street

that ends at the

hermitage of Santo Cristo

de la Vera Cruz.

Balconies full of flowers, bougainvillea and some elements of urban furniture, such as wastebaskets, decorated by a local artist, accompany the visitor on a tour in which you cannot forget to

stop

more than one

stop to visit local businesses

.

Many of them are integrated with more and more success, preserving the leprechaun of this beautiful city:

The art of plating

The atelier of local artist

Ana Ortiz

is one of those places to take a look.

He went from working on the top floor of the building to opening his business on the street (Huerta Chica, 3).

His

contemporary Andalusian craftsmanship

has not gone unnoticed by the exclusivity of establishments such as La Ciudadela Marbella, which uses his crockery in its hotels.

She is also responsible for the painted bins in some of the streets.

SEA RESTORATION

Bar

Altamirano

(Plaza Altamirano, 3) is a popular restaurant, but it is much more than that.

It is an exponent of the traditional gastronomy of Marbella that stands out for its wild seasonal fish and seafood.

It is supplied directly from the rula of the port of La Bajadilla.

It serves fresh and quality products that arrive at the table thanks to a fast and careful service, and its prices are not exorbitant.

The gift detail

When luxury and exclusive establishments such as the hotels in La Ciudadela Marbella have chosen the

L 'Essenziale

jewelry store

(Calle Ortiz de Molinillo, 9A) to elaborate the details that they intend to offer their guests for their stay, you have to think that there will be a reason.

It is clear that it has pieces, such as its lovingly painted boxes, that are worth more than a glance and can be a good memory of the visit.

FROM HEAD TO TOE

From the store where former United States President Barack Obama ordered made-to-measure shoes to

Gema's

flowery dresses boutique

(Tribeca, Calle Carmen, 2) there are not many meters away.

Spanish fashion is of quality and appreciated without the need for it to reach unaffordable prices, so why not indulge in a summer treat that matches the skin tone that the Marbella sun gives us?

A WHOLE SHOW

You won't be able to enjoy it this summer, but it will be a reason for you to come back to Marbella next year.

The terrace of the next opening of La Ciudadela will become an essential from which to scan the

Marbella

skyline

, its sea and its mountains, accompanied by the best cocktails and performances on a glass stage that will surprise locals and strangers.

According to the criteria of The Trust Project

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