The History Of Fuengirola

smartiz | Mar 23, 2009 | 0 comments

If you are considering renting a holiday villa or apartment in Spain this year why not visit the ever popular Costa Del Sol and rent one of the many Calahonda apartments. You do not need to drive too far from the airport, one of our favourite spots is Calahonda which is only 25 minutes from Malaga Airport. Not sure where to stay? We highly recommend staying at Las Palmeras de Calahonda. Set high on a hill the luxurious apartment complex has stunning views of the countryside down to the Meritterraneon Sea.

There is plenty to do and see in the area and as an example Calahonda is only minutes away from Fuengirola. For those interested in history Fuengirola is packed full of it. Fuengirola is a major tourist resort, with more than 8km of beaches, and has its own medieval Moorish fortress, now known as Sohail Castle. Entrance to the Castle costs 3 Euros, the price also includes entrance to 2 museums.

The castle contains remains of an early Ibero-punic or Phoenician settlement, later used by the Romans. Indeed in 1961 Roman baths were discovered, close by, the remains of a Roman villa containing two sculptures, one is known as “Venus of Fuengirola”

Over centuries the settlement changed from Suel to Suhayl, which became the name of the castle and surroundings during the Moorish era. Suhayl evolved into a fairly large settlement, which included farmland and small villages. Most of the surrounding area seems to have been used as pasture for the Moorish rulers’ camels.

In the early Middle Ages the town was set on fire and its inhabitants fled to Mijas. Suhayl became a mound of ruins, and even its name was changed to the Romanised Font-Jirola, after the spring arising at the foot of the castle, according to historian Alonso de Palencia..

In the 17th century, a new urban settlement developed, once the threat from Turkish and
Moroccan pirates vanished, and at the beginning of the 18th century, an inn was opened near the beach, offering accommodation to travellers, muleteers and seafarers. A few huts were built nearby, forming a small village.

The Battle of Fuengirola took place in the area during the Peninsular War, on October 15, 1810, when approximately 200 Polish soldiers of the Duchy of Warsaw beat a mixed British-Spanish force numbering some 3,000 soldiers under Lord Blayney.

In May 1841, Fuengirola was administratively detached from Mijas; at the time its inhabitants were mainly engaged in fishing, agriculture and trading with ships that dropped anchor in the bay. For over a century, fishing and agriculture remained the main activities.

Interested in history? Stay at one of the many Calahonda villas and visit the famous castle of Feungirola.

Read expert points of view for grant proposal example – your individual guide.