Malaga City Cathedral

© Michelle Chaplow Malaga Cathedral
Malaga Cathedral

Malaga City Cathedral

Malaga´s cathedral was built between 1528 and 1782 on or near the site of a former mosque. While original plans had allowed for two towers, both lack of funds those donated to American Independence resulted in the completion of only one, giving rise to the name by which the cathedral is affectionately referred to, La Manquita, loosely interpreted as "one armed woman".

History of Malaga Cathedral

>Malaga Cathedral's emblematic tower

Malaga Cathedral's emblematic tower

On the 18th August 1487 Malaga was re-conquered by the catholic troops. Initially the Aljama mosque was converted into a cathedral and consecrated under the protection of Santa Maria de la Encarnación. The site of this is more or less where the present day sacristy, museum and gardens are located.

Soon the construction of a new cathedral was proposed on a north south axis. The main facade door was constructed in gothic style about 1510 and this is the sacristy door that today leads into the gardens.

Interior of Malaga Cathedral

The interior has influences of the Renaissance and baroque styles. The notable 17th century choir stalls of mahogany and cedarwood were designed by Luis Ortiz.

>Ornate Stonework on the façade of Malaga Cathedral

>Ornate Stonework on the façade

After his death the 40 finely carved statues of the saints behind each stall were completed by Pedro de Mena, one of Spain's most celebrated wood-carvers of the time, who spent some years in Malaga. Some of the chapels leading off the aisles also contain works by Pedro de Mena and his tutor, Alonso Cano. See Pedro de Mena's house in Malaga

Iglesia del Sagrario

Adjoining the cathedral is the Iglesia del Sagrario. Founded in the 15th century on the site of a mosque, the church has an unusual rectangular shape, its Isabelline-Gothic portal is the only remaining part of the original structure which was rebuilt in 1714. The interior is richly decorated and its main altar features a magnificent 16th century retable.

Gardens

The cathedral gardens on Calle del Cistner are often photographed and contain a strange cross monument to victims of the civil war whose names have been removed. Traditional Cafe 'El Jardin' nearby is worth a vist. More>

Museum

The small Cathedral Museum is easly misssed at the end of the main cathedral visit. Access via a wooden staricase in the cathedral shop.  More>

Rooftop Tour

The rooftop tour of the cathedral is well worth the visit. Even though you have to climb two hundred steps. Guided tours are availble and differentr times during the day in English and Spanish. More info on rooftop tours. More>  

Malaga´s cathedral was built between 1528 and 1782 on or near the site of a former mosque. While original plans had allowed for two towers, both lack of funds those donated to American… More →

On the 18th August 1487 Malaga was re-conquered by the catholic troops. Initially the Aljama mosque was converted into a cathedral. Soon the construction of a new cathedral was proposed on a north… More →

The guide leads the party up one of the XVIII century tower staircase (where the bell ringer  lived until thirty years ago)  and onto a terrace before continuing up the XVI tower to the main roof… More →

This is not really a museum as such but in the Malaga Cathedral Gardens there is  a small collections of rusting iron sculptures by Jorge Rando called Museo al Aire libre de la Catedral de Málaga… More →

 

Opening Hours

Mon - Fri: 10.00 - 20.00
Saturdays 10.00 - 18.00
Sundays 14.00 - 18.00
Sunday morning service 10.00  

Entrance

Entrance to the Cathedral and Museum costs 8.00 euro.
Reduced rate: 6.00 euro
Children: 3.00 euro
Seniors: 7.50 euros

Note there is a separate line, to the left, at the entrance for worship in the cathedral, as opposed to the cultural visit to the cathedral. This is free but you only have access to the front area by the main chapel. It does give an impression of the cathedral's interior.   

Entrance to the Cathedral and Museum and The rooftop tour 12.00 euro.
Reduced rate: 9.00 euro
Children: 5.00 euro
Seniors: 11.00 euro

Contact

Malaga Cathedral
Calle Molina Lario 9
29015 Málaga
Tel: +34 952 215 917

Location

Call Molina Lario, 9

Destinations

See and Do

Living in Andalucia