Málaga Cathedral

About Málaga Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Incarnation, or simply Málaga Cathedral, is the city's main church, built in Renaissance style. Work began in 1528 to plans by architect Diego de Siloé and continued on and off for more than two centuries, until 1782. It stands in the old town, a few minutes from the Alcazaba.

Of the two bell towers planned, only the north one was finished, and the south one remains a stump. Hence the nickname La Manquita, the one-armed lady. Local legend says the money for the second tower went elsewhere, and the unfinished tower has become as much a symbol of the city as the cathedral itself.

What to see in the cathedral

• The main façade — a Baroque portal with columns.
• The naves — tall white vaults on mighty columns.
• The carved choir — wooden stalls with figures of saints.
• Two organs — huge pipes above the choir.
• Side chapels — altars and paintings.
• The roof — a walk across the rooftops with city views.

Inside the cathedral

Inside, the height is striking: white vaults rise on mighty columns with Corinthian capitals, and light from tall windows makes the space airy and bright, a rare Renaissance interior in Andalusia, free of Gothic gloom.

In the centre is the choir, with carved wooden stalls decorated with saints and two huge organs above. Side chapels line the aisles with altars and paintings, including works by Andalusian artists. An audio guide at the entrance helps you find your way around.

The square and garden

In front of the main façade lies Plaza del Obispo, with a fountain and the pink bishop's palace; from here it's clearest that the cathedral has only one tower. Cafés with terraces surround it, handy for a break after your visit.

On the other side is a small garden of orange trees and palms, with a close-up view of the unfinished south tower. In the evening the cathedral is floodlit and looks beautiful from the surrounding old town streets.

How it was built

Building began on the site of the city's old main mosque and stretched over centuries: first the eastern apse, then the naves, with the main façade only finished in the 18th century in Baroque style. That's why Renaissance vaults inside meet a grand Baroque portal outside.

Tips for your visit

Buy tickets online, especially for the roof: groups are small and slots sell out in high season. Cover your shoulders and knees. On Sunday mornings services are held and tourist visits are limited.

The cathedral pairs easily with the Alcazaba and the Picasso Museum, all within a few minutes' walk: the Alcazaba in the cool morning, the cathedral at midday and the museum and Calle Larios after lunch.

It's cool inside in summer, making it a good place to escape the midday heat. In July and August, though, take the roof tour early or in the last slot, as the roof gets very hot in the sun.

Nearby and on the way

36

Picasso Museum

Málaga, Spain

1 h 45 min · Paid · 4 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Picasso Museum

44

Alcazaba

Málaga, Spain

1 h 15 min · Paid · 7 min walk

Yes — add to my route: Alcazaba

How to do it right

• Roof on a separate ticket.
• Book online.
• Head inside in the heat.
• Dress modestly.

Questions