The Cathedral of Malaga is a must-see when sightseeing in the capital. Its history and beauty make it a majestic monument to the height of very few in Spain, and together with the Alcazaba, the Roman Theatre and the Gibralfaro Castle make Malaga a unique enclave.
Thanks to the settlements of different peoples and cultures over the centuries, you can enjoy within walking distance of perfectly preserved monuments and architectural works, which will make you enjoy a warm, welcoming and lively city.
The Cathedral of Malaga is located in the historic centre, so you can have a full day, visiting the most important monuments and tasting some of the typical dishes of Malaga and Spanish cuisine.
History of Malaga Cathedral
The construction of the Cathedral began in 1528, years after the Conquest of the Catholic Monarchs from the Muslims (1492), who at that time had settled in the city and in the whole of Andalusia (Al-Andalus).
The Catholic Monarchs commissioned its construction to Diego de Siloé, an architect of great prestige at the time, as can be seen in his various monuments of the period, such as the monastery of San Jerónimo in Granada and the cathedrals of Granada and Guadix, among others.
In 1782 an important part of the work on Malaga Cathedral was completed and it was opened for religious services, although only the north tower was erected. The south tower remained unfinished, as can still be seen today, which is why the Cathedral is known colloquially as “La Manquita”.
Despite many attempts over the centuries to finish it, different conflicts such as the Napoleonic invasion or local and national wars made its completion impossible, although in spite of this and thanks to different remodelling over time, it has become an impressive architectural work, which can be seen from any point in the capital.
There are many legends about Malaga Cathedral and why the second tower was not completed. The most widespread is that the money was used to finance part of the United States War of Independence, although there is also talk that the city’s public money was used to build different roads in the villages of Malaga.
Architecture and Art
The Cathedral of Malaga is characteristic, apart from the lack of one of its towers, for having different architectural styles, due in part to the length of time it took to build it. The front and the decoration of its roofs are Baroque in style, while its ground plan is Gothic, and the elevation and chevet are Renaissance.
As a curious fact, the north tower rises to a height of 87 metres, the highest cathedral in Andalusia after the Giralda in Seville. If we continue our tour of the front we can see that the cathedral’s chevet resembles a fortress, with its barrel-shaped gargoyles.
If we go inside the Cathedral of Malaga, we can contemplate its great dimensions and elevation, where we can see its stained glass windows, magnificently decorated vaults, without forgetting the more than ten chapels that the Cathedral has, built in different periods, as the paintings reveal.
We can enjoy authentic treasures from the world of art, both by national and international artists, but without a doubt what creates most expectation is the choir stalls, considered to be one of the most outstanding sculptural ensembles of the Spanish Baroque of the 17th century, and whose main architect was Pedro de Mena, one of the most prolific artists of the time.
Opening hours and visits
You will have the option of taking a full audio-guided tour of the cathedral, explaining each of its areas in detail.
There is also the possibility of visiting the roof of the Cathedral of Malaga, through the staircase of the north tower, with a height of about 50 meters. Once at the top you can enjoy the 360º views with its monuments, the sea and the historic centre in the foreground.
Opening times vary according to the time of year, but it is open from Monday to Sunday, including the ascent to the roof.
Seniors: Over 65 years old.
Groups: More than 15 people.
Young people: From 13 to 17 years old.
Students: From 18 to 25 years old: From 18 to 25 years old.
Schoolchildren: Under 12 years old in groups.
Malaga: Citizens of Malaga
Free: Residents of Malaga, people with disabilities and children under 13 years of age.
GENERAL | GROUPS | SENIORS | YOUNG PEOPLE | STUDENTS | SCHOOLCHILDREN | MALAGA | |
Cathedral | 6€ | 4€ | 5,50€ | 3€ | 4€ | 2€ | Free |
Cathedral + roofs | 10€ | 7€ | 9€ | 6€ | 7€ | 5€ | – |
Roofs | 6€ | 4€ | 5,50€ | 3€ | 4€ | 3€ | 3,5€ |
Night visit to the roof | 10€ | 10€ | 10€ | – | – | – | 10€ |
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