History of Benidorm
This section is the perfect place for anyone interested in discovering the History of Benidorm 📜
Here, you'll find articles and insights to help you understand both the past and present of this iconic tourist destination 🏖️
Although today it is an internationally renowned tourist city, Benidorm has a fascinating history spanning nearly seven centuries. From its origins as a small fishing village to becoming a benchmark for tourism and sustainability, every corner of Benidorm has a story worth exploring.
🌟 The Historical Origins of Benidorm 🌟
The historical origins of Benidorm are shrouded in the mists of time, as many of the archaeological sites are now beneath skyscrapers and developments. What we do know for certain is that Benidorm's history is deeply connected to fishing, an essential pillar since its earliest days.
🏺 The First Humans in Benidorm: 5,000 Years of History 🌊
At Tossal de la Cala, Neolithic hooks and sinkers have been found, confirming that human presence in the region dates back about 5,000 years. The Iberians were the first known settlers, followed by the influence of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, and especially the Romans.
⛴️ Foundation of the First Settlements
There are texts that claim the fishermen from Marseille were the founders of the main coastal towns in the Marina Baixa at the beginning of the 3rd century BC. At places like Tossal de la Cala and El Albir, significant Iberian remains have been found, such as the famous Iberian Lion statue and the Bacchic Tanit figurine, both dating from the 2nd century BC.
🏛️ Roman Presence in Benidorm ⚔️
From the 3rd century BC to the 5th century AD, Benidorm witnessed the Roman conquest, a period that brought economic prosperity, particularly in agriculture. However, this prosperity was interrupted by the Visigoth invasion in the 4th century AD.
🏰 The Reconquest and Muslim Influence 🌄
In 711 AD, with the Muslim conquest, the region underwent a cultural transformation for the next 8 centuries. In 1245, King James I reconquered the area, marking the beginning of a difficult period due to continuous raids by Berber pirates.
⚔️ Defense Against the Berber Pirates 🏰
Between the 15th and 17th centuries, to protect itself from pirate attacks, Benidorm began constructing watch towers. Some of these, such as the Seguró Tower at Punta del Cavall and the Bombarda Tower at El Albir, can still be seen today. The island of Benidorm was also used by pirates as a base for their attacks.
🔍 Join us and dive into the rich history of Benidorm!
