A monument of King Carlos III of Spain in Madrid. He fostered the Age of Enlightenment in Spain in the 18th century and ordered the Castillo de la Duquesa to be built in Manilva.
Manilva's location near the Strait of Gibraltar made it a vital player in defending southern Spain against maritime threats. Its historical significance stretches from the 16th century, when Spain began constructing watchtowers and coastal fortifications to warn of pirate invasions, to the 18th century, when more elaborate fortresses like the Castle of Duquesa were built to safeguard the area.
A Brief Timeline of Coastal Defence in Andalusia from the 16th to 19th Century
16th Century: Establishing Coastal Watchtowers
During the 1500s, Berber pirates from North Africa frequently raided Andalusia’s coastal towns, pillaging villages and taking captives to sell as slaves. In response, Spain built a network of watchtowers along the coastline. These towers, strategically placed to ensure continuous sightlines, used smoke signals by day and fire by night to alert nearby towns and garrisons of impending attacks. These early defensive efforts were crucial to safeguarding settlements like Manilva and deterring pirate incursions along the Strait of Gibraltar.
These watchtowers not only acted as lookout points but also became temporary refuges for locals fleeing coastal attacks. The Spanish Crown extended the network during the reign of Philip II, adapting it to meet the growing threat from pirates and privateers operating in the western Mediterranean and Atlantic.
17th Century: Fortifying the Coastline
As piracy persisted into the 1600s, Spain reinforced these coastal defences by upgrading towers and assigning military patrols along the coast. The 17th century saw increased naval threats from pirates like Jack Ward, a notorious English privateer-turned-pirate operating out of Tunis. Manilva's location made it a key link in the watchtower network that monitored ship movements through the Strait of Gibraltar and helped Spain react quickly to both pirate raids and smuggling activities.
1767: Building the Castle of Duquesa
By the late 18th century, the threat from pirates necessitated the construction of more permanent military structures. In 1767, under the orders of King Carlos III, the Castle of Duquesa (Castillo de la Duquesa) was built to guard the coast and protect the growing agricultural community in Manilva. The castle housed infantry and cavalry units and served as a staging ground for anti-piracy patrols. Its location near the port of Sabinillas allowed it to oversee maritime traffic and secure the coastline against potential incursions.
Art depicting the Battle of Corunna in 1809 during the Peninsular campaign.
19th Century: From Military Stronghold to Community Hub
The castle remained relevant throughout the Peninsular War (1807-1814), as Spain fought to reclaim territories from French control. In the years following the war, its importance as a defensive structure diminished, and the castle began to serve municipal purposes, hosting public offices and cultural exhibitions.
Modern Living in Manilva: Real Estate and Leisure
Today, the historical narrative of Manilva enhances its appeal to property buyers seeking exclusive real estate opportunities. Properties range from coastal villas with panoramic views to vineyard estates, offering residents both tranquillity and easy access to the region’s amenities.The Castle of Duquesa, now repurposed as a cultural hub and home to the Municipal Archaeological Museum, attracts residents and visitors alike, enriching the local lifestyle with exhibitions and historical tours. Nearby, Puerto de la Duquesa offers a vibrant marina for boating and sailing enthusiasts. Golfers can enjoy courses like La Duquesa Golf & Country Club, while food lovers indulge in Manilva’s wine festivals and local seafood cuisine.
This gorgeous 3-bedroom townhouse in Manilva Costa has sea views and direct access to the beach, you just have to see it inside and out. More information on this listing in our website here.
Your Home Awaits in the Heart of Andalusia
If the idea of living in a town steeped in history with access to modern leisure appeals to you, explore our selection of premium properties in Manilva on ultimate-lifestyles.com. Our portfolio includes coastal homes, spacious apartments, and estates tailored to your lifestyle and investment goals.
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