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The ancient civilizations which inhabited the coast left in their wake a series of artistic relics which together form a historical legacy which for beauty alone must not be missed.
The Alcazaba Fortress and the Gibralfaro Castle in Malaga, Ronda Gorge, the Menga dolmens and other magnificent examples of Islamic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture to be found throughout the coast are a must for the visitor.
The main cultural attractions of Malaga city are the Picasso Museum, the Cervantes Theatre and the Museum of Contemporary Art.

La Alcazaba
The Alcazaba is an ancient Moorish military fortress built in the 11th century on the vestiges of a roman citadel. The fortress is situated on a hill top with a good panorama view over the city and the mediterranean sea and formerly consisted of 3 protecting walls (of which are remaining actually two), more than 100 towers and a higher situated residential area with three palaces. Opening hours are in summer from 9:30 to 20:00 hours and in winter from 8:30 to 19:00 hours. The entrance price is 2.10 € and 3.45 combined with Gibralfaro. Closed on Mondays, 1st of January, 28th of February and 25th of December.
Gibralfaro Next to the Alcazaba is situated the Gibralfaro castle to which it is connected by ducts from two of its towers. It is believed that on this spot was originally set up a light house in Phoenician times and on its remains was built the fortress by Abderramán III, which in the 14th century under was modified Yasuf I into a castle.
Roman Theater
Just below the Alcazaba is situated the Roman theatre. Interestingly, it was not discovered until 1951, in spite of its size with a radius of 31 meters and height of 19 meters. Research has shown that it hasn´t been in use since the 3rd century and that elements of the theater have been used by the Arabs in the construction of the Alcazaba.
Opening hours during winter from Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:00 to 19:00 hours, Sundays from 10:00 to 14:30 hours. In summer from 10:00 to 21:00 hours, Sundays from 10:00 to 14:30. Mondays closed. Guided night visits from 1st of May to 31st of August.

The Cathedral (see photo)
The cathedral of Malaga is built on the remains of the former Mosque-Aljaima, the major Mosque, which was destroyed when the Arabs lost the town after eight centuries. The construction began in 1528, nevertheless it was not finished until 1782 and therefore the cathedral shows many different architectural styles as for instance the Gothic fundament, the Renaissance facades and the baroque towers. The left tower has never been completed, which led to the characteristic singular aspect and to its popular name “The single armed lady”.
Address: Calle Molina Lario 9
Opening hours Mondays to Fridays 10:00 to 18:00 hours, Saturdays 10:00 to 17:00 hours. Closed on Sundays and public holidays.
Fee: Adults 4€, groups 2.50 €
Sagrario Church
The Sagrario parish church is situated between the Episcopal Palace and the cathedral. The church was built in the 15th century, as well on the remains of a destroyed Arabian Mosque, in a gothic style. Inside the church can be found the impressive altar built by Juan de Balmaseda.
Santiago Church
The Santiago parish church was constructed in the 16th century with a combination of Gothic and Mudejar (Moorish) style. In this church was baptized Pablo Picasso.
Palace Marqués de Valdeflores
This palace constructed in the 18th century was originally planned as an exhibition hall for the locals, but in 1895 was acquired by a noble family for personal use. The building situated in Calle Carreteria 60, was bought back in 1986 by the town hall and nowadays it hosts different associations.
Palace Episcopal
The Episcopal Palace is actually a complex of buildings of different forms and styles, situated close to the cathedral and which is being considered as a typical representative of the Malagueńean architectural style from the 18th century. Nowadays the palace hosts the diocesan Museum. Opening hours are from 10:00 to 14:00 h and 18:00 to 21:00 h. Mondays closed.
Palace de la Aduana
The Palacio de la Aduana was constructed in the 18th century in a neo-classical style and nowadays hosts the headquarters of the regional government and it holds as well a smaller exhibition hall. In a near future it will host the headquarters of the museum of fine Arts. The palace is situated in the Plaza with the homonymous name.
The Town Hall Malaga´s Town Hall was build between 1912 and 1919 and is one of the most noteworthy avant-garde edifices in the city.
The House of the Consulate
The house of the consulate, built in the 18th century in a neo-classical style, has been declared a national historical monument. The building is situated in the Plaza de la Constitución. Opening hours Mondays to Fridays from 10:00 to 14:00 h and from 17:00 to 20:00. Saturdays and Sundays closed.

Malaga Bullfighting Ring
The bullfighting ring, situated in Paseo de Reding, was constructed in 1874 in a neo-mudejar style, with a capacity for 14.000 persons. Inside the building is located the Bullfighting Museum which offers visitors an extensive tour through the world of bullfighting. Opening hours Mondays to Fridays 10:00 to 13:00 h and 17:00 to 20:00 h. Closed on Saturdays and Sundays. |