Malaga

DOMINATING THE COSTA DEL SOL!

An unforgettable way to enjoy the spectacular views of Malaga is to climb up to its highest point this located at the top of the Gibralfaro hill. This hill comes from Arabic and means "the mountain of the lighthouse". The Phoenicians established a lighthouse on this 130 meter high top. The path that leads to Gibralfaro will offer us beautiful scenery and, at the same time, will show us a journey through the history of the city. To make the ascent to the top of Gibralfaro easy, we recommend dividing it into two stages. In the first, we will reach the first viewpoint, and in the second, we will crown the top of the hill, topped by a XIV century castle. Let´s go!


Gibralfaro hill belongs to the foothills of Montes de Málaga, a mountain range that runs parallel to the Mediterranean coast. This hill dominates Málaga, a forest park of almost 3 km2. There are magnificent trails where we will discover the most typical tree species of the Mediterranean forest, such as Aleppo pine, cypress, hackberry, wild olive, and eucalyptus.


Our tour starts in the Plaza de la Aduana square, next to the beautiful XVIII century palace that houses the Museo of Malaga museum. On one side of this palace is the Paseo Don Juan Temboury promenade, which we must take to head towards the Gibralfaro ascent. To the right of this promenade, you will find the historic Jardines de Puerta Oscura gardens, a picturesque and elegant park arranged in different levels of terraces. The flora species are mostly cypress, Aleppo pine, jacaranda, and bougainvillaea. These gardens date from 1937. Their name comes from the homonymous gate that existed in the city wall. And there we start the ascent! The path we will walk up to the top is perfectly paved and follows the old Muslim wall that linked the Alcazaba palace at the foot of the hill to the castle at the top. As we go up, the city of Malaga will remain at our feet, and the views are unforgettable!


Upon arriving at the Mirador de Gibralfaro, we will be surprised by the relevance that Malagueta bullring acquires from the heights in the panoramic view of the city. That is a perfect clayey circumference that highly contrasts with the angular and slender forms of the surrounding modern buildings. From this viewpoint, we will discover the relevant Malaga port´s significant dimensions and all the splendour of the Costa del Sol escorted by the Cordillera Penibética mountain range.


If you are still in the mood, you can continue the ascent to Gibralfaro Castle… The award will be an incredible snapshot of the beautiful city of Malaga, constantly caressed by the Mediterranean light!


Gibralfaro viewpoint


Gibralfaro road s / n


29016 Málaga


Gibralfaro Castle


Gibralfaro Road 11


29016 Málaga

DELICIOUS ESPETO!

Going for tapas is part of the Andalusian culinary creed. This custom has almost become a necessity, practically an obligation fulfilled with great pleasure. Going for tapas is the perfect excuse to meet friends, go out from home, and not have to cook. In addition, the character of Andalusian people, the excellent weather, the excellent cuisine, the food sharing, and the abundance of tapas bars invite them to go for tapas. All advantages! All facilitated by its economical price.


Cold, hot, vegetable, meat, seafood, stewed, fried, or cooked. The processes of cooking tapas and their flavours are endless. Of course, we must not forget that the Mediterranean Sea is the leading supplier of its ingredients. Therefore, in Málaga, we will opt for those "sea flavour tapas". The sardine and the anchovy stand out among all its marine delicacies, the two real stars of Malaga´s tapas.


In Málaga postcards, it is usual to see a sardines espeto that is a small cane with some sardines strung together and grilled on charcoal on one of its beaches. Sardine is a very healthy food since it is the fish with the highest amount of Omega 3 fatty acids, which mainly regulate triglycerides, thus reducing the risk of stroke while controlling cholesterol in our blood. A six espeto (skewer) sardines provides us with the daily recommended amount of this polyunsaturated fat! As our body cannot produce it, it must be sought from the animals, much better from this fish.


Sardines are a seasonal food only consumed from May to August, that is, in the months that do not have the letter "r". During the rest of the year, the star ingredient of Malaga tapas is the tasty anchovy, which can be eaten fried or pickled. The anchovy, previously coated in flour, is fried in very hot olive oil in the first option. Once it is well browned, it is eaten at whole. Even its head, spine, and tail! To be tasted in vinegar, the anchovy is cut on one side, cleaned of entrails and fishbones, and left open, ready to be marinated in vinegar, finely minced garlic, and parsley.


In Málaga, this fish is so beloved that the nickname "boquerones" know its inhabitants. The Victorian anchovies are especially popular, the specimens whose fishing coincides with the days close to September 8, the feast of the Virgen de la Victoria, Málaga´s saint patron. And it is precisely these days that the anchovy is at its best!


Accompanied by a cold beer, which pescaito fish do you like the most…?

A HEALING AND VERY SWEET WINE!

Testing Malaga sweet wine is a must that you cannot miss. This is an excellent local drink with remarkable therapeutic properties for the throat. This is a tradition among flamenco singers to sip this elixir before starting its songs. Having a glass of sweet Malaga wine alleviates possible discomforts in this area and helps to preserve your voice.


The Denomination of Origin Malaga is one of the oldest in Europe since it was created in 1833. Its production area encompasses 67 municipalities spread over different regions, each with specific climatic characteristics. This appellation of origin encompasses several types of wines classified according to their percentage of alcohol and sugar, the colours, and the palate hindsight. The different combinations make a wide range of Malaga wine varieties, such as dry, dark, golden, and sweet wines. This latter is obtained from particular grapes varieties such as Muscat of Alexandria, Moorish muscat, or Pedro Ximénez grape.


An exciting place to buy a bottle of sweet Malaga wine is the Mercado de Atarazanas market, located in the city´s heart. In the stalls of this municipal market, we can also find all kinds of local products.


The word "atarazanas" is of Arabic origin and means "shipyards". The old shipyards where the ships were repaired during the Muslim occupation in the XIV century were placed here, in the space currently occupied by the Atarazanas Market. After the reconquest of the city by the Catholic Monarchs the shipyards ceased their function as shipyards. Over the centuries, they fulfilled different functions, such as a convent, military barracks, hospital, and school, until they were finally converted into the municipal market in 1879. Until today! One of the seven original horseshoe arches remains from the old shipyard´s original facade.


Be sure to visit these original shipyards, nowadays the municipal market, to buy a bottle of sweet Malaga wine. Your throat and voice will thank you!


Mercado Central de Atarazanas


Calle Atarazanas 10


29005 Málaga


It is from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. from Monday to Saturday. It is closed on Sundays.

PERSPECTIVE OF THE LEGACY

At number 8 of Alcazabilla street in Malaga are preserved relics of two relevant cultures in the history of the Iberian Peninsula. These two cultures were Roman and Islamic. Both are present in this specific spot of Malaga, so is a perfect place to be pictured. Spanish current wisdom still draws on all that they contributed in their day. Thus, we can gather a strong cultural heritage in a single photograph.


In the foreground, from the city grounds, emerges the Roman Theater, the principal exponent of Roman "Malacca" city. This important monument was discovered in 1951 while remodelling works were being carried out in the old House of Culture, now defunct. This discovery made need to bring the rest of the monument to the light. So directly from the street, we can perfectly observe all the different parts of the theatre recovered after being buried for centuries. We can see the stage or "proscenium", the "orchestra" or space reserved for senators, the "cave" or bleachers, composed of thirteen stands, and, finally, the "vomitorium" or access.


Built under the rule of Emperor Augustus in the I century, this theatre was in operation until the III century. Historic theatres in Roman Hispania were carried out for socio-political purposes regardless of cultural function. The same happened with the theatres, used as political propaganda tools.


The Crystal Pyramid is in front of the Roman Theater, one of the new Malaga´s attractions. Standing out for its originality and contrasting with the rest of the elements of the pedestrian street, this three-meter-high glass structure emphasizes archaeological basins found in the subsoil at the same time that illuminates them with natural light.


Behind the relics of the theatre, at the foot of Gibralfaro hill, stands the Alcazaba, a magnificent example of Islamic military architecture. It is a fortified Almoravid palace built in the XI century on the Roman walls of the Taifa de Málaga department. In 1238, this fortress became part of the Nasrid sultanate of Granada. This kingdom encompassed the current provinces of Malaga, Almería, and Granada. At that time, the fort figured in resemblance to the Alhambra palace of Grenade. It must be said that a large part of the Alcazaba was built with ashlars, columns, and carved stones from the nearby Roman Theater.


Undoubtedly, this magical point on Calle Alcazabilla will provide us with a photogenic perspective linking the present to the past.


Calle Alcazabilla 8


29015 Málaga

THE CHARMING PASAJE CHINITAS PASSAGE

This is the charming Pasaje Chinitas, a very particular secluded square in the centre of Malaga. Mr Álvaro María Fernández de Quindós y Gutiérrez de Aragón, civil governor of Malaga and influential businessman during the XIX century, undertook an urban initiative on a plot located nearby the cathedral and which was occupied at that time by the baroque convent of the Agustinas Descalzas religious order. The land was taken by the government through expropriation decreed by the Confiscation Laws of 1836 and 1855. The convent was demolished. Don Diego Clavero architect designed a small square resulting from the intersection of two pedestrian axes. The visual effect of the four alleys is remarkable, leading to the little circular courtyard and the attractive perspective obtained from the center of the square towards the emerging streets.


At its origins, this crossing was called Pasaje de Álvarez. It later was renamed Pasaje Chinitas because of the Café de Chinitas that existed in the square between 1857 and 1937. This café was a place for social gatherings. It was very frequented by bullfighters, artists, and show people. On its first floor, which was accessed by a very narrow staircase, there was a small and modest tablao flamenco stage, a scene of numerous night parties and countless flamenco saraos parties. The heyday of the Café de Chinitas came in the early 1930s when its theatre became a national benchmark for dance and flamenco singing, being the scene of performances by the most prominent flamenco figures of that time.


The high conservative and puritanical high society of that time managed to close the Café de Chinitas due to the "frivolity" of its shows. It was reopened as a theatre called Salón Royal, with a "decent" atmosphere. Still, soon the Café de Chinitas reopened its doors thanks to popular pressure. The Café de Chinitas has been an essential part of the festive soul of the city of Malaga, being a necessary piece of its culture. This singing café is the setting for the immortal poem "El Café de Chinitas", written in 1931 by Federico García Lorca, a regular at this café.


Currently, the area in which the Chinitas Passage is located has great commercial activity and rich architectural beauty. The acceding alley from the Plaza de la Constitución square still preserves the marble façade of the old baroque convent.


Pasaje Chinitas


29015 Málaga

A GHOST RAIN OF STONES

The Alcazaba is a symbol of Malaga. You can take a picture of the entire city, with its bullring, elegant Alameda avenue, and port in the background. The Alcazaba is a magnificent Arab fortress built on an ancient Roman bastion. The original site was a Phoenician fort.


It seems that there was a time in the history of Malaga in which some of the Alcazaba lands were occupied by modest houses, a fact that over the years has generated legends and fantasy stories. During excavations carried out in the Alcazaba in 1936, small figures with long noses and hats were found on its grounds. They were quickly identified with the goblins of the stories told to the children. One of these stories goes like this.


It seems that some nights, a mysterious shadow often travels the grounds of the Alcazaba. Sometimes, it throws so many stones that it even seems like a rain of rocks. Many locals say that this shadow comes from a house abandoned in this place after the death of its last occupant. On certain nights, terrifying sounds of wailing and chains can be heard around the Alcazaba. There are even those who claim that, after entering this house, they saw the lodger fleeing through a window that, by the way, is small enough so that no one can escape through it.


Nowadays, this mysterious house on the grounds of the Alcazaba remains wholly abandoned. Its door remains completely locked; The neighbours do not want to hear about this story because of the fear it causes them. It seems that this stones shower has often taken place, an event that even continues to occur nowadays, as is said.


Today, visitors to the Alcazaba find a beautiful monument surrounded by a completely renovated environment. But even today, the security guards of the fortress say that they see a dark figure stalking the area some nights. They can even hear the noises of stones that seem to be thrown from an unknown hill point.


Could it be that the ghost continues to visit the Alcazaba at night .? Is this spectre the former lodger of the mysterious house, now deceased .? And you, would you dare to look for this house around the Alcazaba and thus be able to verify this story by yourself .?


La Alcazaba


Calle Alcazabilla 2


29012 Málaga

THE BEAUTIFUL MANQUITA

When the Catholic Monarchs reconquered the city of Malaga in 1487, they ordered the construction of a Christian temple whose works began in 1528 above the ancient Great Mosque. During the first years, up to seven different architects were involved. The great church was consecrated in 1588 as the Catedral de la Encarnación cathedral, becoming a magnificent example of Renaissance architecture. But it was blessed with his works far from being finished, as we will see.


After being consecrated, it suffered almost one century of paralysis. The works of the cathedral restarted at the beginning of the XVIII century. The enormous expenses involved in these works were financed primarily thanks to the taxes charged to the ships anchored in the Malaga port. Still, when the budget ran out once more, the cathedral´s works were stopped again at the end XVIII century.


Although it may seem incredible, the works of the Cathedral of Malaga remain unfinished. The central spire, the main sacristy, part of the ornamentation, and some areas of its roof are still to be completed. Despite this, its top is open for visits, offering a lovely view of Málaga´s historic centre. Most importantly. If we look at the main facade, we will see that the cathedral only has one tower on the left side. The tower on the right is missing! That is why this cathedral is known by the loving La Manquita, the one-handed.


Finally, after two centuries of impasse, the City Council, the Provincial Council, and the Bishopric of Malaga have agreed to complete the cathedral works. Seeing is believing! 2028 is considered the deadline for its conclusion, the year in which the V centenary of the beginning of its construction will be fulfilled.


The visitors´ entrance to Malaga Cathedral is from Calle Santa María street, through the Gothic Puerta del Sagrario. We access the Capitular Church of El Sagrario. The temple was built precisely above the old mosque. After passing through this church, we enter a courtyard with plenty of orange trees. This precedes the entrance of the cathedral and corresponds to the old mosque ablution courtyard. This accessing door conforms to the base of the minaret.


In the Plaza del Obispo square, in front of the imposing cathedral´s Renaissance façade, is the Diocesan Museum of Sacred Art, located in the Episcopal Palace. This Baroque-style palace stands out for its majestic three-stage façade, which has a magnificent portal-altarpiece framed between columns and topped by a large niche that houses the Virgen de las Angustias virgin. This set formed by the Malaga´s Cathedral and the Episcopal Palace is the protagonists of a curious anecdote: In the film "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" (based in Thornton Wilder´s novel of the same name), it shaped the setting of a city in XVIII century Colonial Peru. The film was the winner of the 2014 Goya Award.


Catedral de la Encarnación


Calle Molina Lario, 9


29015 Málaga

IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF PICASSO

At this point, we propose you a short walk through Malaga Capital for visiting the places that marked the Picasso´s. Let´s explore with us this "Picassian route"! This is the most relevant local artist and one of the most prestigious Spanish painters in the world considered the greatest exponent of Cubism.


Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born in Malaga in 1881 at Plaza de la Merced number 15. This building houses the Picasso Birthplace Museum called Museo Casa Natal (Birthplace Museum) Picasso. This square would soon be a learning place for the young Pablo. He noticed the pigeons that populated the enclosure and drew them from a very early age. His mother said that his first words were "paz piz", to ask for a pencil, said lápiz in his Spanish language. At the closest corner of the Roman Theater, we must take Granada Street to visit the Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol, the church in which Pablo Picasso was baptized.


Pierre Cabanne, a great art critic, wrote that Pablo was a very independent kind, tremendously creative, and quite firm and authoritative. " But really, the person who pushed the little Pablo towards art was his father, a drawing assistant at the Escuela de Bellas Artes fine arts school in San Telmo and Curator of the Municipal Museum. Picasso´s companion, Françoise Gilot, once heard the artist say: "When I was a child, my mother told me that if I became a soldier, I would be a general; if I became a priest, I would be the pope. But instead of all that, I was a painter and I became a Picasso.


His father transmitted him his passion for art, so Pablo fell in love with painting soon. He was a student in the father workshop at the old Municipal Museum. In those days, it was located nearby San Agustín street. That building was later town hall and then a school. Today is closed in this workshop. Pablo painted one of his first oil paintings in 1889, the beautiful painting "Vista del Puerto de Malaga", a view of Malaga port. In the same San Agustín Street, close to where the workshop was located, the Museo Picasso Malaga museum is currently placed. This important museum dedicated to the artist was inaugurated in 2003 and occupies the beautiful Renaissance palace of the Condes de Buenaventura counts. This is a must for visitors to this city.


Pablo Ruiz Picasso finally emigrated to La Coruña in 1891 and later to Barcelona. However, he continued to spend his summers in Malaga. Once consecrated as an artist, he moved to France, where he spent the rest of his life, although he always took his beloved hometown in his heart.


Enjoy this less than fifteen minutes walk that follows the Malaga Picasso´s footsteps, one of the great stars of Universal Painting. An artist who, as he recognized, "at the age of twelve already drawn like Rafael."


Fundación Picasso Museo Casa Natal (Picasso Foundation Birthplace Museum)


Plaza de la Merced, 15


29012 Málaga


Parroquia de Santiago Apóstol (Parish Church of Santiago Apóstol)


Calle Granada, 78


29015 Málaga


Museo Picasso Málaga (Picasso Museum Malaga)


Calle San Agustín 8 (Buenavista Palace)


29015 Málaga

THE URBAN EDEN

El Parque de Malaga park is an unmistakable city site that invites you to walk, rest and enjoy its exuberant nature. Its 90 meters wide gardens extend parallel to the port along 650 meters. It is a vast area with a rich flora composed of autochthonous and exotic species. Thanks to its rich and heterogeneous vegetation, this park is considered one of the best open-air subtropical gardens in Europe.


The works of El Parque de Malaga started in 1897, in parallel with the construction of the new Guadiaro Pier, whose careers began the previous year. A landscaped area was created to serve as a recreation place in the lands taken from the sea during these works. Over 30 years, 5000 trees and many shrubs were planted on these lands. Structured by groups according to their species, the trees and shrubs were produced between the alleys, the avenues, the fountains, and the sculptures that structure the gardens. The different species benefited from its proximity to the sea, resulting in an ideal habitat for most of the park´s flora. Three hundred sixty-five other subtropical species are coming from the five continents. The natural microclimate contributes to the growth and survival of many of these species. Diversity itself helped create the perfect conditions for the survival of most species!


It is impossible not to fall in love with its exultant flora when taking a stroll into the Parque de Malaga. These gardens are a hymn to life. They offer to the lucky visitor an explosion of colors, aromas, and, above all, freshness, something that is very welcome on the most radiant days of the Costa del Sol capital.


The avenue between the garden and the port is the National-340 route, which follows the old Via Augusta outline. This road was one of the 36 Roman roads distributed throughout the Roman Empire, which amounted to a total of 80,000 kilometres. These routes allowed the Roman legions to move among the different empire cities. The soldiers used to carry heavy weights on them and walk many kilometres per day.


During your visit to this sunny city, don´t forget to take a short break in the Parque de Malaga park, a remarkable urban paradise in which the natural diversity itself has been able to generate the ideal conditions for the survival of many species becoming from distant lands. How wise is Mother Nature!


Parque de Málaga


Paseo del Parque 1


29015 Málaga