Cathedral of Malaga

The Cathedral of Malaga is situated in the historic centre of town, and more specifically at the site of the old Mosque on the high street of what once was Muslim Malaga. This street connected the Alcazaba with the river Guadalmedina, today the area encompassed by the Cister, Santa Maria, Plaza de la Constitucion, and Compañia streets.

This architectonic jewel, with its lovely gardens and none of the annexed buildings of old, can be seen from the sea and the mountains surrounding the city.

Influence from Siloe

It was begun in 1528 and works continued until 1782, yet it remains incomplete, including one of the main towers, several secondary towers, a balustrade in the upper section, and the pediment on the main façade. The people of Malaga call it ‘la Manquita’, the armless one, as it lacks these architectonic elements.

The Renaissance style and the characteristics of Diego de Siloe were introduced by Andres de Vandelvira and Hernan Ruiz II, the master of works of the Cathedral of Cordoba. Diego de Vergara, who had been trained in Italy, put a classical touch to it and his son later incorporated some elements of Mannerism, the precursor of the Baroque style.

The Cathedral has a rectangular plan and is divided into three naves, chapels on the aisles, a crossing, an ambulatory and a polygonal apse. The vaults are supported by cruciform pillars formed by attached half-columns of Corinthian order, which carry a broken entablature. Atop the latter is a square pillar that adds up gracefulness to the design, without deforming the canon of the pillars.

Renaissance and Baroque styles

The head and the arms of the crossing were completed during the first construction phase back in the 16th century. Clear references to the Cathedral of Granada are seen here. But works were soon interrupted and the already existing parts were fitted so that the new church could open to the public.

Works resumed in 1719 under the supervision of the architect Jose de Bada, who executed the portals introducing marbles in different colours.

Antonio Ramos replaced him as master of works in 1756 and the result was this magnificent Renaissance and Baroque cathedral.

Portals and doorways

The interesting portals in the crossing are of Renaissance style. They are formed by a semicircular door with archivolts resting on capitals and a second section with three niches. The main niche is built around a round arch and the lateral ones are lintelled.

The Portada del Sagrario or Portal of the Shrine is formed by a round arch in-between a set of columns. It has a curved pediment containing the Episcopal coat of arms in the tympanum. The buttresses are grandiose. They are topped by classical cornices and two sections of windows.

The Puerta de las Cadenas, or Doorway of the Chains is on the northern side of the church. It has semicircular towers, and small sections that mix 16th-century elements in the base and 18th-century details in the upper part.

We recommend:

The Parador de Malaga Gibralfaro is surrounded by pine trees and located across from the Citadel. The Castle will make you enjoy panoramic views of the city. It has 35 rooms and an elegant design. In its restaurant you can sample local, regional and international cuisine.

In the emblematic calle Marques de Larios number 2 is the modern and exclusive Hotel Room Mate Larios, with only 41 rooms, some of them with balconies. This boutique hotel with an elegant Art Deco facade that inspires all its decoration, has all kind of services and careful attention to the client for you to have a pleasant stay in a great location.