Málaga: A city of history and culture

For many people Málaga is just a city to pass through on the way to the airport. Yet the city’s grand monuments and buildings tell the story of its fascinating history. Below we have listed just a few of the places you can visit…

The Cathedral:
Málaga’s most important building is its cathedral. Built on the site of the city’s main mosque, construction began after the Catholic reconquest 1528. It was not finished until 1782 and the tower on the south front was never built, hence it has been named by locals as ‘La Manquita” (the one armed lady).
The architecture is a mixture of Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and Neoclassical. It also contains important artworks in the form of paintings and sculptures.

The Bishops Palace:
Probably one of the most beautiful buildings in Málaga city. The baroque facade was the work of Antonio Ramos in the 18th century. The niche on the third floor contains a sculpture of La Virgin de las Angustias by Fernando Ortiz.
The interior houses the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, which features paintings and religious art from such names as Correggio and Titian.

Picasso Museum:
Celebrating one of Málaga’s most famous sons the Picasso Museum is a must for any art lover.
Situated in the old quarter of the city, near to the cathedral, the museum is housed in the restored
Buenavista Palace, originally built in the 16th century.
Picasso was born in Málaga in 1881 in Plaza de la Merced.

The historical centre:
The old historical centre contains many interesting streets. During the restoration of the Picasso Museum the surrounding streets have also been given a new lease of life, with many quality shops, bars and restaurants opening up. A great place to enjoy a stroll and take in a leisurely lunch.
During the restoration of the Museum, remains of Phoenician constructions were found, dating back to the 6th and 7th centuries B.C. These remains have been
incorporated into the Museum and serve as a reminder
to Málaga’s historic past.

The Alcazaba and Gibralfaro Castle:
Málaga’s most prominent buildings tower above the heart of the city on Mount Gibralfaro. The Gibralfaro Castle was built during the first century of Arab dominiation in 711, although the origins are thought to be Phoenician. Its name indicates that a lighthouse once stood here, and ‘Gibralfaro’ can be translated as ‘lighthouse mountain’. It communicates with the Alcazaba by a walled corridor, although this route is no longer in use and a new path has been made. The castle has been restored on several occassions due to its partial destruction in various conflcts. Today the conserved site contains several cistern wells, bread ovens, a powder house and sentry boxes.
The Alcazaba was built much later, during the last period of Moorish occupation, during the Nastrite reign. It was built over the ruins of a Roman fortress, during a period of great insecurity, and is one of the most defensive Moorish buildings which remain in Spain today. A mixture of concrete walls, towers and gates protect the inner palace. By contrast the palace is characterised by Moorish decorative styles, with ponds, gardens and horseshoe
arches, reminiscent of the Alhambra in Granada.
The Alcazaba continued as a military base until the mid-nineteenth century. It then became more and more deteriorated until it was restored in the mid-20th century. It also houses a permanent archaelogical exhibition featuring findings from excavation work in the city.
Another important monument lies at the foot of the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre. built in the 1st century AD, the theatre has been restored and is now used as a venue for concert and dramatic performances.