Time's the binder.

Malaga. Time's the binder.

Route: Gibralfaro Fortress – Royal Alcazar – Roman ruins – Mercedes Square – Picasso Museum – walk through the historical center (Pimpi Tavern, Museum of Dollhouses) – Cathedral – Buenavista Palace – City Park – Port – the oldest Tavern in the city

The city of Malaga, known as the capital of the Costa del Sol, is located almost in the center of this coast, dividing it into two different parts: Costa del Sol is western and eastern. Málaga is not just a tourist city thanks to the huge number of hotels, because the hundreds of thousands of tourists who come to the Costa del Sol every year take the opportunity to diversify this huge offer associated with the sun and the sea, enjoying all the advantages of this city, the fifth largest in Spain. Malaga adds to the coast its history, which made noticeable traces on the appearance of the city in the form of interesting monuments, a magnificent urban and natural combination, as well as a truly open and cosmopolitan character of the population.

The city was founded by the Phoenicians around the VII century BC. Roman conquerors paid a certain importance to the city, as evidenced by the assignment of the title of Roman municipality (Lex Flavia Malasitana), as well as large buildings, among which it is necessary to note the port and theater. After the conquest by the Arabs in 711, a more stable period in the history of the city began, lasting until the Christian conquest in 1487. Significant monuments were created (Alcazaba, Gibralfaro) and the urban structure of the modern city was outlined. The Castilian conquest led to the expulsion of the inhabitants to the subsequent resettlement of old Christians here, which prevented the Morisco riots in the XVI century. This century was full of tragic events: epidemics, floods and earthquakes. Conversely, the eighteenth and especially the nineteenth century contributed to the growth and development of the city as a result of industrial development, especially ferrous metallurgy and textiles.

The historical center of Malaga was built on the basis of a Muslim urban plan, as evidenced by the narrow and winding streets of Company, Granada and Santa Maria. Larios Street, the most famous street in the city, was opened in the late XIX century. It connects the squares Constitución and Marina, the latter connects the port with Alameda and Paseo del Parke – a large Botanical Garden. Other interesting corners are Merced Square, Chinitas Street and San Agustin Street. Outside the old center is a remarkable sea alley connecting the center with the fishing quarters of Uelin and El Palo, respectively, on the western and eastern outskirts of the city.

The Cathedral is the most famous monument of Malaga. Its construction began in 1528, and in 1782 the work was completed, despite the fact that the construction itself was not completed. Over the centuries, architectural styles have changed – Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque. In the interior of the Cathedral, divided into three naves with the same height, there are chairs of choirs, two organs and chapels of side naves, where there are interesting works of art. Near the Cathedral is the Sagrario temple, known for the portal, made in the style of Gotoki-isabelino. The facade of the Cathedral overlooks Obispo Square, where the Episcopal Palace is located.

In Malaga, monuments of the Muslim era are preserved. The most famous is the Alcazaba, a military building of the XI century, with a double defensive wall, which has undergone significant reconstruction. In its interior is the Archaeological Museum.

With the Alcazaba connects the castle of Gibralfaro, a building of the XIV century, it is located on a hill, which offers a magnificent view of Malaga and its bay. At the foot of the Alcazaba are the remains of a Roman theater recently restored after the House of Culture built directly on them was demolished. In the vicinity of Paseo del Parke you can see other buildings and places of interest. The building of the municipality, built in the neo-Baroque style, dates back to the beginning of our century, and in its interior the Salon of Mirrors stands out. Next to it is the ancient Customs, a building of the late XIII century, created in the cold neoclassical style. Behind these buildings are the romantic gardens of Puerta Oskur Korac. At the end of the park you can admire the Three Graces Fountain. Not far from here there is an arena for bullfighting, from here you can go to the port, on the way you can see the Malaga sculpture of El Senachero, the work of Pimenthal and Farol: these are the most popular sculptures of the city.

On the Place Constitución is the temple of Santo Cristo de la Salud, distinguished by the round shape of its foundation. Next to it is the Consular House, a building of the XVIII century, which was occupied by various institutions. Other central Malaga temples are the Baroque temples of San Juan and the Holy Martyrs (Santos Martires), the parish temple of Santiago, where the Gothic-Mudejar tower is preserved, and the sanctuary of Our Lady Victoria, where the image of the patroness of Malaga is stored. From these temples during Holy Week, one of the most solemn and famous in Spain, carry out holy images participating in religious processions.

Of the museums of Malaga, it should be noted the Museum of Fine Arts, located on San Agustin Street and occupying the Buenavista Palace. Among the works presented in it, a collection of paintings of the XIX century stands out. Other notable museums are: the Parish Museum (in the Episcopal Palace), the Archaeological Museum, the Cathedral Museum and the Museum of Folk Art and Traditions.

Throughout its history, Malaga has given the world outstanding personalities. Among them is Pablo Ruiz Picasso, called the world’s most famous native of Malaga and one of the best painters of all time.