# Málaga Cathedral > Málaga Cathedral is the city's great Renaissance church. It took over two centuries to build, from 1528 to 1782, to plans by Diego de Siloé, and its south tower was never finished. That's why locals fondly call it La Manquita, the one-armed lady. Inside are soaring white vaults, carved choir stalls and side chapels, and a separate ticket takes you up onto the roof. Allow about an hour. Web page: https://yesgo.io/spain/malaga/malaga-cathedral - City: [Málaga](https://yesgo.io/spain/malaga), Spain - YesGo score: 41/100 (Yes, if nearby) - Time on site: 1 h - With kids: Fine with kids - Entry: Ticketed, roof separate - Hours: Daily; services on Sundays - Time needed: About an hour, 1.5 with the roof - Nickname: La Manquita, the one-armed lady - Dress code: Shoulders and knees covered - Location: Centre, near Calle Larios - Coordinates: 36.72004, -4.42012 - Facts checked: 11.11.2026 ## Key facts - **1528** — construction began (source: English Wikipedia) - **1782** — work came to a halt (source: English Wikipedia) - **1 tower** — of the two planned was completed (source: English Wikipedia) - **Diego de Siloé** — drew up the plans (source: English Wikipedia) ## 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](https://yesgo.io/spain/malaga/alcazaba-malaga). 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 rooftop tour** The cathedral's most unusual experience is the roof walk. Small guided groups climb a staircase onto the roof and stroll among domes and pinnacles, with views of the port, the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro. Roof tickets are sold separately, and timed slots are best booked ahead. ## 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. ## How to get there 1. On foot from the centre, 3 minutes from Calle Larios. 2. From the Alcazaba, about a 5-minute walk. 3. Metro to **Atarazanas**, then a 7-minute walk. 4. From the port and Muelle Uno, about 10 minutes on foot. ## 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. ## Before you go Tick off what's ready — your ticks are saved in this browser. - [ ] Buy a ticket online - [ ] Book the rooftop tour - [ ] Cover shoulders and knees - [ ] Study the carved choir - [ ] Spot the unfinished tower from the square ## Places in Málaga: compare and choose Places in Málaga rated by YesGo. - [Málaga Cathedral](https://yesgo.io/spain/malaga/malaga-cathedral) — YesGo score 41/100 (Yes, if nearby) · 1 h · Paid ## Don't mix it up Málaga Cathedral is the Renaissance church in the centre; the Alcazaba is the Moorish fortress on the hillside a few minutes away. ## Tips - Roof on a separate ticket. - Book online. - Head inside in the heat. - Dress modestly. ## Questions ### How much does Málaga Cathedral cost? Entry is paid; the rooftop tour is a separate ticket. ### Why is it called La Manquita? Only one of its two planned towers was built, so it's the one-armed lady. ### Can you go up on the cathedral roof? Yes, on small guided tours with a separate ticket. ### How long do you need at the cathedral? About an hour, or 1.5 hours with the roof. ### Is there a dress code? Yes, shoulders and knees must be covered. ## How we checked Facts from English Wikipedia. Hours and prices weren't confirmed with an official source — hence the 'checking' badge. ## Sources - English Wikipedia: Málaga Cathedral - Official website, malagacatedral.com --- This is the Markdown version of a YesGo page for AI assistants. Quote the web page link above, not this file.