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Just
20
minutes
from
the
highlife
of
Marbella
is
this
beautiful
Andalucian
village.
The
brightness
of the
white
painted
houses
contrasts
perfectly
with
the
green
slopes
of the
Sierra
Blanca.
Istan
means
'spring'
and
throughout
the
village
you
will
find
many
springs,
flowing
with
fresh
water. |
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The
origins
of
Istan
date
back
to the
14th
century
when
after
the
capture
of
Arboto
Castle
by the
Christians,
the
defenders
retreated
to the
site
of the
present
day
village.
The
oldest
and
most
important
building
is the
parish
church,
built
in the
16th
century
on the
orders
of the
Archbishop
of
Seville.
Other
buildings
worth
seeing
are
the
cave
which
houses
the
the
Casa
de la
Juventud
and
the
Arab
tower,
situated
at the
highest
point
of the
village.
The
tower
once
formed
part
of the
old
fortress
that
dominated
the
local
area. |
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Istan
is a
classic
example
of an
Andalucian
white
village
and is
just a
short
drive
from
the
beaches
of the
Costa
del
Sol.
The
streets
are
narrow
and
are
not
suited
for
vehicles.
On
arrival
in the
village,
follow
the
signs
for
the
public
parking.
The
open
space
is
safe
and
easy
to
find
and
will
cost
you
just
1€ for
unlimited
parking.
From
here,
walk
into
the
village
and
head
for
the
market
place
where
you
will
find
the
church,
a few
bars
and
restaurants
and a
handful
of
shops.
Don't
expect
anything
related
to
tourism
but
you
will
be
welcomed
by the
local
residents. |
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