Enigma Plaza de la Merced

The time of surrender of the city by Muslims in In August 1487, the area where The Plaza de la Merced is now located. It was an ordinary wasteland.

Through This wasteland was the road to Granada. leaving the city from the gates of Granada, Where, these days, the square goes. street of Granada. Maybe this wasteland. Residents of Malaga have used as a place for common prayers (for example) In dry years, all residents of the city We went out to pray together for the attack. rain.

Development This square began at the beginning of the 18th century, with the ascent to the throne of the first from the Spanish Bourbons - Felipe the Fifth. Then they brought the market to the wasteland. square. The population of the city became The market has grown rapidly. In the clamped squares of the city. In the 17th century on three sides of the square (fourth) The city wall was still built. Three monasteries. By the 18th century, these monasteries They were depopulated and began to settle. and demolish the monastic buildings. And The monasteries occupied a large area. Except for the dwellings, they were gardens and gardens cultivated by monks for their own sustenance.

Okay, Until the 20th century, it has only been church of La Merced Monastery (the monastery itself) demolished earlier. This church, like the others. Malagic churches burned on May 12, 1931 Anarchist years. The burnt skeleton stood. until 1936, when it was demolished. Now there is a municipality in this place. market. La Merced Square wasn't always worn That's the name. At different times, she named in honor of the two generals who fought for Liberal democratic values: General Rafael Riego Nunez - Plaza de Riego, and General José Maria Torrijos and Uriarte, Plaza de Torrijos.

But The most interesting thing to say about In front of this square!

There. Some scholars believe that in the Roman city of Malacca, in this place There was a large amphitheater.

I will. There is no single archaeological Findings that would confirm this thesis. Moreover, there is no mention of about such a significant public building in the Roman annals of that time. That's weird. Normally, they didn't. only the Questers' cost reports, budgetary for such construction, but also for memorial Signs that the newly elected The magistrates (curials) are grateful. the people who trust them, and Sponsor free shows held This kind of playground. Such signs They are usually on pedestals and columns of public buildings.

However, There is indirect evidence of the existence of an amphitheater (or structure, similar in structure. First. These dates back to the 18th century and pen of a famous historian and clergyman Cristobal Medina Condé (Cristóbal Medina Condé) Four-volume scientific work (Conversaciones) Históricas Malagueñas claims that under the hospital Saint Ana (he stood where he is now) There are abandoned cinemas Astoria and Victoria) and under the monastery Convento de las Monjas de la Paz (north side) La Merced Square, fragments found vaults, benches of spherical shape, etc.

Here. here given text this historian: "En cuanto a anfiteatro me parece que lo hubo, según los vestigios que se descubrieron al abrir las zanjas del Hospital de Santa Ana, y del Convento de las Monjas de la Paz, que está inmediato. En ellas se descubrieron fragmentos de edificios con bóvedas, y sobre ellas pedazos de gradas en forma circular, esto junto con lo espacioso de aquel sitio, que era un suburbio del pueblo, da algún fundamento para conjeturar haber estado en aquel lugar el anfiteatro, o edificio semejante como el gimnasio donde luchaban desnudos los gladiadores.”

More. One outstanding historian, Francisco Julien Robles (Francisco Guillén Robles) He was usually a scientific opponent. Medina Condé, but in this case agrees. In his book Málaga Musulmana, published In the year 1880, he said that Moslems, Gate of Granada It was called Bib Almalab, which can be translated. Like, Theatre Gate. Which means that Although in the form of ruins, the building reached 8th century NE.

Tho, that historians mention the ruins of galleries and galleries, he says. The construction that is being built speech was of considerable size and had public interest. Even Roman. The Malaga Theatre did not have such architectural detail in its design. How could it be inscribed? building in the area where the Is it Plaza de la Merced these days?

S On the other hand, it is convenient to create The visual sector. caveas - Slope. This is the hillside of Cerro de Alcazaba. But on the other hand, in The ancients passed through this area. riverbeds of several streams descending to the city from the northern foothills, evidence found under the square plumbing 19th century.

Comfortable. Was there such a place to build a large A public building? Like this. questions asked by Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres (Alejandro Pérez-Malumbres) official guide from the Department of Archaeology Malaga City Hall. He stresses that Open spaces, such as Places that have a habit of staying invariable in its basic configuration From century to century. And the square now has rectangular shape.

Discussion is still purely speculative Until recently, it was not expected carrying out any serious Exploration work under the Place de la Merced. It's expensive and complicated. In the last redevelopment of the area was carried out work that required digging It's a pit. The remains were found. buildings of the 10-11th century at a depth of 11.36 meters above sea level. And there was work. digging Part of the square, where the square comes out San Juan de Letrán. They found it there. vats (pilets) of the Roman stationary 3-4th century NE. Outside number 7, down the street. Victoria has also been found to have such The same vats (for salting fish and production) Garum sauce.

What? Can we draw conclusions from the above?

Some The researchers suggest that, This is not about the amphitheater, but about the apotherium or palestra - place, where athletes were engaged in combat and fresh-out air. It's not that massive. The building also had a spectator. sector, but not as large as Amphitheater.

If That is, future excavations may be allow you to find something unique A building that has survived to our days. Such a palestra has survived except that in the ruins of the Roman city of Singilia Barba Antequera. And the excavations are settled. escort.

Before, How to determine the fate of the old abandoned cinemas, under their floors will begin Archaeological drilling.

In The scientific community is currently discussing about the depth at which they may lie. buildings of the Roman period of the city of Malaga. Many fear that the authorities will accept five-point Meters, which is not enough, to achieve the necessary cultural layer. We'll be waiting for the news. from scientists. Finding an amphitheatre or... Palestras.