Culture in Marbella

Although Marbella is known as a great holiday destination due to its clubs and shopping, it has still retained some of its original culture and Spanish charm.

Museums

Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo de Marbella

This museum is houses some great works from some of the best Spanish artists such as Miró, Picasso and Dalí. The museum itself is a 16th century hospital situated in the old part of Marbella. For more information on their collections and varying activities available visit their website or find the museum at:

Museo del Grabado Español Contemporáneo de Marbella
Calle Hospital Bazán S/N
29600, Marbella
Tel: 952 765 741

Museo del Bonsai

This museum is situated in a park in Marbella and as suggested the museum has exhibits of miniature trees and wild olive trees and is considered to be one of the best of its kind in Europe. For more information visit the museum at:

Museo del Bonsai
Parque Arroyo de la Represa
Avenida del Dr. Maíz Viñal
29600, Marbella
Tel: 952 862 926

Galleries

Aside from the aforementioned “Museo del Grabado Contemporáneo” there are many other art galleries that you will find located amongst the shops in the high streets of old town Marbella.

Markets

The markets in Spain are all relatively similar, selling fresh fruit and vegetables, ceramic goods, clothes, shoes and jewellery, but they are always entertaining to visit. The Marbella market is on a Monday between around 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., Puerto Banús´market falls on a Saturday on the Boulevard de la Fama and San Pedro´s market is on a Thursday. A small amount of haggling is advised as is bringing your own bottle of water as it can get very hot and the water is expensive!

Ferias and Holidays

Similar to bank holidays in England, Spain has days in which everything except bars and restaurants close, however, these days can be wonderful fun and a great atmosphere. At the beginning of June, Marbella´s patron saint San Bernabé is celebrated. The fair or feria lasts nearly a week and is not only a religious celebration but also a fabulous party! Each town has its own patron saint and feria during the summer, for more information on when these holidays are visit this website is recommended.

Things to See

Plaza de los Naranjos is a beautiful square in the old town of Marbella and used to be the centre of the commercial side of Marbella for hundreds of years. The Town Hall was once a prison but it has been carefully preserved and combined with the beautiful fountain and the orange trees that surround the square, (hence its name) this is a lovely, relaxing place to be during the day and a good source of nightlife in the evening.

If you go Rio Verde you will find the ruins of a Roman Villa that was constructed centuries ago and contains stunning mosaics.