In the same location as modern San Pedro de Alcantara, a Roman settlement has been found which had been destroyed by an earthquake in the 4th century AD. After that, the area was used as agricultural land for the Marbella area, with no residents. In 1860 a colony was founded by the politician and soldier Manuel de la Concha Irigoyen (known as Marques del Duero). It was common back then to name colonies in honour to family members, so the founder named it after the saint of similar name to his mother’s name Petrona de Alcantara Irigoyen. As it happens, his daughter was also called Petra, so San Pedro de Alcantara offers a double homage to the founder’s family.
