| MALAGA |
Capital of the costa Del Sol, Malaga is a typical Andaluz coastal city, to a great
extent untouched by time, but at the same time a centre for commerce and
finance in Southern Spain. At first sight, the city might seem uninteresting, but
once you have cleared the modern part of the city, and move into the historic
part, you will find that Malaga has a lot to offer.
The city has a long and rich history, having been a major Roman Settlement and
later an important city during the Moorish epoch. Malaga was one of the last
cities to fall to the Christians Kings Isabella and Ferdinand of Castile in 1487.
The city therefore is full of important historic sites, but what furthermore makes
Malaga an interesting city to visit is the interesting lay out of the narrow streets
scattered with historic buildings and old shops seemingly unchanged through
time. You can spend hours just walking in the old part of the city, occasionally
stopping for a coffee or a Tapas in one of the small cosy and very affordable
cafes or bistros.
History
Malaga was founded around 3,000 years ago by the Phoenecians. The Greeks
followed much later, around 600 B.C. The Romans colonisation of Spain in 218 B.
C. meant an expansion of the city and they enlarged the castle, and build a
theatre, of which parts are now open to the public.
In 711 A.D. the Moors invaded Spain and Malaga became one of their major
cities, and was one of the last cities to be conquered in 1487 when the
Christians drove the Moors out.
During the Moorish rule Malaga was famous for its wines and figs. In the 11th
Century the fort Alcazaba was built by the Muslims, considered to be one of the
most important military constructions in Spain at the time. The castle of
Gibralfaro, another castle built under King Yusuf, was blown up by French army
in 1812.
From 1487 onwards the city has seen major changes to its structure. La
Manquita Cathedral has replaced the major mosque and has incorporated many
styles due to the 254 years it took to build.
Main Sights
Eating Out
Malaga offers a wide range for dining. The best way to explore some of the
favoured local dishes, you have to try some of the Tapas bars, scattered all
over town. Tapas is an Andalusian tradition, and basically means that you order
many small portions of different food. The Spanish tradition is to walk from bar
to bar and try out different Tapas. Highly recommended.
On the beachside (Chiringuitos), and the paseo maritime (promenade) you will
also be able to find many excellent and affordable restaurants.
Tourist Office
Avda. De Cervantes, 1
Telephone.: 952 60 45 42 - 952 60 44 10
Fax: 952 21 41 20
Useful numbers
Airport : 952 048 804
Train station 952 240 222
Bus station : 952 350 061
Port : 952 125 000
Taxis : 952 320 000
extent untouched by time, but at the same time a centre for commerce and
finance in Southern Spain. At first sight, the city might seem uninteresting, but
once you have cleared the modern part of the city, and move into the historic
part, you will find that Malaga has a lot to offer.
The city has a long and rich history, having been a major Roman Settlement and
later an important city during the Moorish epoch. Malaga was one of the last
cities to fall to the Christians Kings Isabella and Ferdinand of Castile in 1487.
The city therefore is full of important historic sites, but what furthermore makes
Malaga an interesting city to visit is the interesting lay out of the narrow streets
scattered with historic buildings and old shops seemingly unchanged through
time. You can spend hours just walking in the old part of the city, occasionally
stopping for a coffee or a Tapas in one of the small cosy and very affordable
cafes or bistros.
History
Malaga was founded around 3,000 years ago by the Phoenecians. The Greeks
followed much later, around 600 B.C. The Romans colonisation of Spain in 218 B.
C. meant an expansion of the city and they enlarged the castle, and build a
theatre, of which parts are now open to the public.
In 711 A.D. the Moors invaded Spain and Malaga became one of their major
cities, and was one of the last cities to be conquered in 1487 when the
Christians drove the Moors out.
During the Moorish rule Malaga was famous for its wines and figs. In the 11th
Century the fort Alcazaba was built by the Muslims, considered to be one of the
most important military constructions in Spain at the time. The castle of
Gibralfaro, another castle built under King Yusuf, was blown up by French army
in 1812.
From 1487 onwards the city has seen major changes to its structure. La
Manquita Cathedral has replaced the major mosque and has incorporated many
styles due to the 254 years it took to build.
Main Sights
- Alcazaba: Clearly distinguishable close to the train and
- bus stations lies Alcazaba, a Moorish palace dating back
to the 8th Century, although the main structure dates
from the 11th Century. The entrance is known as Puerta
del Cristo (the door of Christ) named in commemoration
of the Christian victory over the Moors. The palace now
houses an Archaeological museum, with some good
exhibits of pottery from the 13th and 14th Century.
Below the entrance are the remains of a Roman theatre dating back to
the 2nd Century.
- Castle of Gibralfaro: Situated above the Alcazaba and connected to it by
a long double wall, another visible footprint by the Moors is the castle of
Gibralfaro. The castle was built in the 15th Century by king Yusuf. After
the Christian conquest in 1487 the castle was used to house the Moorish
prisoners. Unfortunately the castle was blown up in 1812 by Napoleons
troops who have suffered a major defeat. An excellent place to take in
the view of the city, watching the narrow streets and trying to imagine
the life in Moorish or even Roman times.
- The Cathedral of Malaga: Known as La Manquita
- (means something like one armed woman) was built
between 1528 and 1782 on the site of the major
Moorish mosque. The nickname derives from the fact
that the original plans allowed for two towers, but a
lack of funding (apparently going towards financing
the American War of Independence) meant that only one tower was
completed. It is recommended to notice the 17th Century realistically
carved choirstall.
- Pablo Picasso: In later history, the most famous person to come out of
Malaga is Pablo Picasso. This excentric and brilliant
- painter was born here, and there are many galleries
displaying his works, amongst those the Museum of Fine
Arts, adjacent to the Cathedral. His birthplace in Plaza
Meroed is open to the public, and is a testament to his
life and works. The famous son of Malaga was born in
1881 in a corner house of Plaza de la Meroed. In 1991
it became the headquarters of the Picasso Foundation.
- Museum of Fine Arts: Situated in San Agustin Street at the 16th Century
Buena Vista Palace we find the Museum of Fine Arts. There are several
galleries displaying fine artists like Morales, Ribera, Giordano, Murilollo
Sorola and Picasso to name a few.
- Paseo del Parque: A botanical garden where you can find tropical plants
and trees. Measuring only 90 sq. metres, it houses the central Tourism
Office.
Eating Out
Malaga offers a wide range for dining. The best way to explore some of the
favoured local dishes, you have to try some of the Tapas bars, scattered all
over town. Tapas is an Andalusian tradition, and basically means that you order
many small portions of different food. The Spanish tradition is to walk from bar
to bar and try out different Tapas. Highly recommended.
On the beachside (Chiringuitos), and the paseo maritime (promenade) you will
also be able to find many excellent and affordable restaurants.
Tourist Office
Avda. De Cervantes, 1
Telephone.: 952 60 45 42 - 952 60 44 10
Fax: 952 21 41 20
Useful numbers
Airport : 952 048 804
Train station 952 240 222
Bus station : 952 350 061
Port : 952 125 000
Taxis : 952 320 000
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