Coin History and Culture

Historical Coin

The Center of Coín

Even though Coin's roots can be traced back to the Roman era of Spanish history, and even further into the past, it is essentially an Arabic town. Many Roman cities owe their impressive marble construction to the quarries of Coin, or Lacibis as it was then known. However, these quarries, and indeed the town itself was all but deserted during the destructive invasion and proceeding conquest of the Iberian Peninsula by the Visigoths in the 5th century.

Coin was left in a state of disrepair for centuries, until the Moors settled on the coast in 929 A.D. and started to rebuild. Soon the town of Coin was restored to it former glory. Coin was under the governing of the Moors for around five centuries, during which time they managed to cultivate the vast agricultural land, and influenced huge parts of the architecture. One such influence is the fantastic irrigation system that the Moors put in place during their time, these channels were very much ahead of their time, so well constructed and planned that some are still perserved today.

The oils and wines from the village were a sort after commodity and helped to make Coin grow large by the day. Even the Reconquista, in the 15th century, could not stall the progress the new town of Coin was now making. Its numerous architectural strutures were some of the finest examples in the whole of Spain. The Church of San Andres, also known as the Church of the Caridad (Charity), forms part of the hospital, and the Church of San Juan is one of the largest churches in the province of Malaga and has actually been declared a national momument. Both of which are fine examples of exactly what standard of architecture was left behind by previous visitors.

Modern Day Coin

The Romeria Feria held in Coín

Coin, although in actuallity a village, was awarded the title of 'city' in 1925 by the then King Alfonso XIII. The city is located around two marvellous plazas, with the new town hall located in the Plaza de la Via, with an underground car park, gardens, fountains and several fine bars. The narrow streets of the city are lined with shops and restaurants, many of which have been owned by the same families for centuries. And for the more modern shopper, Coin has recently built the new commercial centre, 'La Trocha' on the outskirts of town, between Cartama and Coin.

Due to its geographical situation in Valle del Guadalhorce, at the foot of the Sierra de Mijas, overlooked by the Sierra de Alpujata, the city enjoys multiple interesting tourist traps. The forests of Alpujata, La Fuente, El Charcode Infierno and La Albuquera also offer pictoresque destinations for the more energetic holidaymakers.

The legacies that were left behind by the ancestors of this sleepy Spanish town have been nurtured with kindness and love, none more so than the desire to better itself. Even today the town of Coin exceeds so many others on the Costa del Sol as the growth of wealth, culture and life continue.