El Fuerte in Marbella, which is now a hotel, has a rich history. It was once a Roman cemetery, then an Islamic cemetery, and later the San Luis fortress where Sergeant Rafael Cevallos defended Marbella from French troops during the War of Independence. In the 20th century, it was a residence owned by Doña Elvira, who owned the land that would later become the El Fuerte hotel.
During the hotel’s renovation in February 2022, a collection of artifacts from Andalucía’s Roman and Islamic periods were discovered. Some of these items are now exhibited in the town’s Museo del Grabado. José Antonio Valiente, the archaeologist leading the excavation of the El Fuerte hotel, shared that they found remnants of Marbella’s medieval Islamic cemetery, which they believe was in use from the 8th to the 15th century. Despite the decay, the existence of walls and a couple of floors suggest some form of urban planning.
Valiente further revealed that more artifacts were discovered beneath the Islamic burial site, providing more insight into the Roman presence in Marbella. He explained that they have identified two periods from the Roman era: the Republican period (from the 2nd to the 1st century BC) and the High Imperial period (1st to the 3rd century AD). Some of the pottery found dates back to these periods.
Among the items on display is a ring featuring the Greek god Hermes (the Roman god Mercury), the god of commerce and liars, messenger of the gods, and guide to the underworld. This is considered the most impressive piece at the museum.
Other items discovered include coins from various periods, medical tools, vessels, oil lamps, and earrings from the Islamic period. Numerous human remains are still in the municipal archives awaiting classification. Valiente explained that these remains help establish the timeline and provide insight into burial rites and the tools used for cooking or eating. They also provide information about the inhabitants.
Valiente concluded by stating that the excavation has yielded significant results. While he couldn’t confirm if it’s one of the biggest discoveries in Marbella in the last ten or twenty years, he emphasized its importance in terms of the wealth of data it provides. He added that they are still investigating and expect to uncover more information.
