Bil-Bil Castle is one of Benalmadena’s most iconic landmarks and one of the most popular attractions for visitors who choose to spend their holidays here.
Located on the promenade just a 10-minute walk from Sunset Beach Club, this Moorish-looking building isn’t really a castle. Although it looks like it was built centuries ago, nothing could be further from the truth. We did a little investigating and came up with some interesting facts about Bil-Bil Castle which we’re pretty sure you didn’t know… we certainly didn’t!
#1: Looks can be deceiving
As mentioned above, although Bil-Bil Castle looks like a medieval Moorish fortress, it was actually built in the first half of the 20th century as a private residence.
#2: Built by Leon Hermann in the late 1920`s
Most historical references to Bil-Bil Castle state that this private residence was built by Leon Hermann, a wealthy French or Belgian (we’re not too sure of this detail) businessman who gave the task of building the ‘castle’ to the architect, Enrique Atencia in 1927. However, the onset of the Spanish Civil War made the family give up the property which was then bought by the Schenstrom family.
#3: How the ‘Castle’ got its name
William Schenstrom was an American businessman who arrived in Benalmadena with his wife, Elsie, and his son whose name was also William. He soon decided that the property needed more work: He redesigned and extended the original plans to make the castle what it is today. Apparently, the builders who were working on the property called the owner by his nickname, Bill, and when his son used to come on site, they called him Bill too; that’s where the name came Bil-Bil came from! J It was at this time that the ‘castle’ became a famous local landmark thanks to the luxurious decoration of its interiors and the privileged position facing the sea.
#4: Bil-Bil Castle almost became a Hotel-Club
William Schenstrom Sr. passed away in the summer of 1964. Eager to make the most of the 7000 square metre plot of land the ‘castle’ was built on he applied for permission to change the private residence into a hotel-club; however, the town hall refused to allow this as it would mean the end of their cherished landmark building.
#5: Bil-Bil Castle’s Darkest Years
A Belgian company, Benalbeach, bought Bil-Bil Castle in 1973 and had plans to build apartments on the plot. Well, you can imagine the uproar from local residents! For years the building lay abandoned until it was eventually bought by the Benalmadena Town Hall in 1980. A refurbishment programme was soon underway to turn the building into a social and cultural centre for its citizens.
#6: It’s now the most popular civil wedding venue in the Malaga province
Nowadays Bil-Bil Castle is a cultural centre which celebrates conferences, exhibitions and concerts throughout the year. However, it’s probably best known for celebrating civil wedding ceremonies. Apparently, it’s the public building where the largest number of civil weddings are held in the whole province of Málaga!
If you’re staying with us at Sunset Beach Club, we certainly recommend you take a walk down to Bil-Bil Castle to have a look. It’s Moorish design and the stunning water features and fountains surrounding it make a great place for a holiday snapshot! 🙂 To get there just turn right as you come out of the hotel and walk along the promenade for approximately 10 minutes… you can’t miss the castle.
