Visit the Old City of Malaga in Spain
Map and Guide to the Sights of a Historic Andalucian City
Oct 13, 2008
Millions of visitors pass through Malaga airport each year, most en route for the sandy beaches and sunshine of Spain’s Costa del Sol. Just 20 minutes from the airport, the ancient city of Malaga offers another side of Spain, steeped in the history and romance of Andalucia, but bursting with the excitement and colour of modern Spain. Modern Malaga is a bustling commercial and cultural centre set against a stunning backdrop of mountains, and ringed by modern motorways, but its heart still lies in the ancient city sheltering beneath the walls of a spectacular fortress, the Gibralfaro.
The History of Malaga
The Phoenicians established the first colony on the site of present-day Malaga. Carthaginians, Romans and Visigoths followed, before the Moors swept around the Mediterranean in a wave of conquest and established Malaga as a major commercial and political centre in an empire which ruled southern Spain for seven centuries.
Not until 1487 did Isabella and Ferdinand, “Los Reyes Catolicos” recapture the city for Christendom.
Each wave of invasion left its mark on the culture and architecture of the city, and the small area between the castle and the river Guadalmedina presents a kaleidoscope of Malaga’s history.
The principle things to see in old Malaga, all within easy walking distance, include:
Historic 8th Century Palace of the Moorish rulers and of the Christian Kings of Spain after the Reconquest.
A spectacular fortress dating from the 14th century, built to protect the earlier Alcazaba after the invention of artillery.
La Manquita – The One Armed Lady
The Malagenos’ name for Malaga’s cathedral with its spectacular eight domed roof which stands 200 metres east of the Avenida Marques de Larios .
Mercado Central
Malaga’s Central Market in an ornate 19th century building. Stallholders shout their wares in guttural, machine gun Spanish from behind shining towers of fruit and marble slabs of gleaming fish.
Paseo del Parque
This charming 19th century garden is planted with an astonishing variety of exotic trees and flowering shrubs from all around the world. Its shaded paths make a delightful walk from the Alcazaba and Bull Ring at one end, past the ornate 19th century Ajuntamiento or City Hall and on into the Alameda Principal, a broad, tree lined avenue leading to the River Guadalmedina.
La Plaza de la Constitution and Avenida Marques de LariosThis elegant pedestrian area and the surrounding warren of old streets contains most of the city’s smarter shops, and many delightful restaurants and tapas bars. The Avenida Marqes de Larios is named after the 19th century Malaga nobleman and entrepreneur who hunted with the Gibraltar hounds and hobnobbed with Britain’s King Edward VII.
Picasso’s Malaga Birthplace
The restored 19th Century apartment block where Picasso spent his early childhood stands on the Plaza de la Merced and houses a museum devoted to Malaga’s famous son.
The Roman Theatre
The splendid Roman amphitheatre marks the city’s importance as one of only three Spanish colonies which the Romans granted city status.
Getting Around in Malaga
There are good, reasonably priced taxi services throughout the city. A taxi from the airport to the city centre cost about 10 euros.
Buses are comfortable, reliable and cheap. A trip from the airport to the main bus station costs 1 euro, and from there regular services cover the whole city.
Staying in Malaga
Top of the range is the luxurious Parador Nacional de Gibralfaro, perched high above the city, but there is a wealth of other accommodation from modern international hotels to old-city hostals.
Eating Out in Malaga
Take your pick of any of the hundreds of tapas bars and street restaurants around the city, or one of the open air, sand floored chiringuitos or beach restaurants.
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