 Ancient watchtowers still evident along the coastline of Benalmadena.
By Dee McMath
Much of the proof of Benalmadena's ancient history
has been carried into modern times through the remains of the three
watchtowers still evident along jutting rocks along
the coastline. Both the Phoenicians and the Romans used these towers
in their day.
Arroyo de la Miel still displays the remains of
a Roman archway, which leads the way into the important
building called La Tribuna. During the time of
the Arabic rule, the town was named "Ben Almedana" meaning
sons of the mines. Until the time of its destruction, the Castle
of Benalmadena was a great defence fortification against intruders.
After the surrender of Marbella in 1485, it was
thought that the rest of the coast would be easy to conquer. However,
such was the resistance to the Castilian advance that King Fernando
had to take full control and drive the forces hard. Although this
extra effort led to the surrender of many coastal towns and villages,
Benalmadena held on. After much resistance, Fernando ordered the
capture of the castle, which was only achieved after an unusually
prolonged struggle.
Once the castle was destroyed, the people fled.
Six years later in 1491, the Catholic Royals in Granada gave authority
to Alonso Palomero of Malaga, to repopulate Benalmadena, under the
strict vigilance of the then mayor of Malaga. Benalmadena become
the main point of defence on the coast against the many attacks
by African pirates who pillaged and raided the area.
The Municipal Archeological Museum in Benalmadena,
which opened in may 1970, is of great international importance.
Over the two floors of exhibits is a large collection of Neolithic
and pre-Christopher Columbus pieces.
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