Sightseeing
Hotel Puente Romano’s prime location inspires guests to explore and experience the many nearby cultures. Cordoba, Seville, Granada, Ronda, Gibraltar, even another continent — Tangier in northern Morocco — are all easily accessible and make great day trips. A myriad of majestic historical sites and unparalleled natural beauty lie ahead for the intrepid adventure seeker. From Roman Remains to the newly inaugurated Picasso Museum to Spain’s only square bullring, there’s plenty to see and do.
Marbella Old Town (15-minutes away)
Much of Marbella’s Old Town character and architecture is built atop Roman foundations, of which few remain, and date to the Moors conquest of Spain in 711 A.D. Known as Marbi-La, it was prosperous and defined by traditional Moorish lines with impenetrable castle walls and narrow winding streets. During the reign of Ferdinand and Isabella, the town was fittingly renamed Marbella (‘beautiful sea’) in 1485. The King contributed more to the city than just a new name. Today, his Castilian-styled influence can be seen — and felt— in the architectural planning, building plazas, churches, larger houses, and wider streets.
A walk along the picturesque Plaza de los Naranjos is like a trip back in time. Whitewashed dwellings surround this pictorial piece of history, which dates from the Middle Ages. It’s also home to three of Marbella’s oldest buildings: The Town Hall (1568). The Old Governor’s House (1552). The Chapel of Santiago (circa 15th Century) – the town’s first Christian church. The flower gardens and orange trees that line the streets, and whose scents perfume the spring air, inspired the name Plaza de los Naranjos (‘Orange Tree Square’). A living link to Marbella’s storied past is celebrated every June 11th when the Royal pendant is publicly displayed to commemorate the Spanish conquest of the town.
The Museum of Spanish Contemporary Engravings is the first Spanish museum dedicated to contemporary engravings. The works of Picasso, Miro, Tapies, and Chillida are among the many exhibits offered. Directions: C/ Hospital Bazán, s/n 29600 - Marbella (Málaga) Tel: +34 (0)95 282 5035
The Bonsai Museum is the only one of its kind in Spain. More than 300 Bonsai trees, including some of the world’s most prominent wild olive trees, distinguish the museum as the finest collection in Europe. Arroya de la Represa Park, Marbella 29600 - Spain Phone: +34 (0)95 286 2926
Roman Remains
When you leave Marbella’s Old Town, go toward Puerto Banus. Pay particular attention to the beachside of the road because it’s here you’ll find the vestiges of a Roman-Hispanic villa that dates between the 1st and 2nd centuries. Inside La Villa Romano de Rio Verde, you’ll discover the remains of a beautiful mosaic floor depicting the head of Medusa, plus renderings of exotic plants and bird life. The only known mosaic representation of the ancients’ nautical and culinary life is preserved in another section of the villa.
Basilica de Vega del Mar
One of Spain’s – indeed the world’s - most important and unique archeological examples of the 4th century Palaeolithic period. The ancient ruins of the Paleochristian Basilica de Vega del Mar can be accessed via the beach route from San Pedro de Alcántara.
Las Bovedas
While you’re in the area, consider visiting Las Bovedas (The Vaults). These ancient ruins, which include an octagonal pool 1.20m deep, date to the 3rd century and are believed to have been part of a Roman bath compound.
Puerto Banus
The charming cosmopolitan harbour, Puerto Banus, is a mere 15-minutes from Puente Romano. Yachts, Formula One racing, and speedboats dot this glamorous resort where you’ll also find a fine selection of internationally renowned restaurants and enchanting boutiques.
Malaga
While only 40-minutes away, Malaga offers so much to see, you might want to plan a daytrip. Alcazaba is the ancient palace where the Arab Kings of Malaga once ruled. The Archaeological Museum of Prehistory displays Roman and Mozarabe (Spanish—Arabic) artifacts. The Cathedral is a national renaissance monument. The Fine Arts Museum exhibits works by El Greco, Zurbaran, and Ribera as well as modern and contemporary collections. The Museum of Arts and Crafts takes you back in time to how life was lived in the 19th century.
No trip is complete without visiting the recently inaugurated Picasso Museum, whose permanent collection includes more than 200 rarely seen paintings donated by Pablo’s family.
Picasso Museum
Málaga - 62 Kms - 45 min.
The recently inaugurated Picasso Museum presents a wide collection of the Spanish artist's most important works of art, from Picasso's family private collection.
Ronda
An hour or so scenic drives finds you in historic Ronda. This beautiful mountain hamlet stretches 2250 feet above the Mediterranean Sea and is home to the oldest bullring in Spain. The famous “Tajo” bridge bestows a distinct vantage point to take in the inspiring and beautiful vistas.
Details
50 Km. / 45 min.
800 meters above sea level, high in the mountains and famous for both it's deep gorge and Spain's oldest bullring - considered by many as the prettiest one existing.
Mijas
High in the mountains, in an archetypal Andalusian white village, is where you’ll be after an hour’s drive. Mijas is full of beautiful flowers, local artisans, crafts, and gift shops that are best explored on foot via back streets and alleyways. More places to set your sights: The balcony of the Moorish Kings, the Museum of Miniatures, the Gardens, and Spain’s one and only square building.
Details
37 Km. - 27 Min.
Renown Andalusian "white town" perched in the mountains and famous for it's donkey taxis - unique in Europe and beyond.
Granada
Travel back 800 years — to Granada. To a period when the Moors ruled Alhambra from the resplendent fortress of Moorish Kings. Many other palaces of splendor are sprinkled throughout, including that of Charles V and the Alhambra Palace. The Gardens of the Generalife, seeded in the early part of the 14th Century, retain their original form and continue to frame the city. A must see is the Royal Chapel where the famous Catholic Monarchs, Isabel and Fernando, lie in perpetuity. The city of Alhambra is a national monument — and after visiting — you’ll undoubtedly know why.
Details
(187 Kms / 1,25 hours)
Romantic city of the 1.001 nights and home to the Sacromonte gypsies. It's famous Alhambra (Moorish palace) is not to be missed.
Gibraltar
Another beautiful day is just around the corner. The tax-free haven of Gibraltar is only an hour away. A shopping and sightseeing paradise, you’ll want for nothing here. St. Michael’s Cave, The Galleries, The Marina Bay Yacht Club – and, of course, the famously gregarious Barbary Apes (which, by the way, are monkeys — Macaque — not apes).
Details
79 kms. / 75 min.)
It is the only colony on European territory, located on Spain's southernmost tip, and serves as home to a band of monkeys in total liberty. Passport mandatory.
Other sites
Cordoba
210 Kms / 2,5 horas
One of Andalucia's three great cities. Home to an impressive and splendid mosque housing the city's cathedral.
Sevilla
250 Kms / 2,5 horas
Capital of Andalucia, and conquered by the Moors in 1.248 A.D., it proudly guards the inherited monuments: the Giralda, Torre del Oro (where all incoming gold from the "New World" was first kept), and Alcazar (Moorish palace)
Tangiers
One day excursion
Come discover a new continent, a new culture. Africa! Cross the famous Gibraltar straights beginning your trip in Algeciras or Tarifa.
P.S. Please don’t forget your passport.
