The Best Historical Sites in Málaga

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By now you know that you need to visit Málaga, and what the best things to do in Málaga are. For the last post in my Málaga, Spain series, we will be diving into Málaga’s best historical sites. The history of Málaga is what surprised me the most about the city. The sites are unlike anything I have seen before, and the history of each place is interesting.

The east side of the city center is where many of the historical sites are located. Since the biggest parts of Málaga’s history are all together, it is easy to explore the area in less than a day. You will appreciate the old, historical sites in Málaga, even if you are not typically interested in history. If you do want to spend a day exploring these sites, I recommend doing it in the order below.

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Plaza de la Merced

Plaza de la Merced, or the Merced Plaza, is in the center of the city, making it the best place to start a history tour of Málaga. Located in the Merced neighborhood, the plaza has a lot of historical significance.

The large monument in the center of the plaza honors José Torrijos, a general who was killed along with 48 of his soldiers by Ferdinand VII. Torrijos was fighting in the Spanish War of Independence to regain control of Spain over absolute ruler Ferdinand. The monument is considered the most important symbol of 19th century Málaga. It was built using sand from the beach where the massacre took place, and the remains of the men are buried here.

Pablo Picasso’s birthplace is also located in the plaza. This house turned museum is the headquarters of the Picasso Foundation. Near the house is a statue of Pablo Picasso. The statue shows him sitting on a bench with an empty seat next to him for people to rest.

Roman Theater

The Roman Theater resembles a mini colosseum. It is the oldest place in the city, dating back to the First Century when Romans ruled. The Theater was buried in the eighth century when the Moorish military overtook the city, and it was not rediscovered and restored until 1951.

You can see inside the theater from the adjacent plaza, or pay a few Euros to enter. One inside you can walk through the stage, and experience what it was like to be in an old show. Behind the stage is a plaza where many people are walking and admiring the theater from the outside. Step up on the old seats and take a moment to admire the bustling city of Málaga, or imagine you are watching a 1st-century play.

Málaga’s Alcazaba

Next to the theater is the Alcazaba, an old palace and fortress with Moorish architecture and many gardens. The Muslims starting building the walls of the fortress in the 10th century. Some of the fortress walls are built using stone from the Roman Theater below. There are two parts to the Alcazaba: the outer citadel and the inner citadel. The center of the fortress is safer because of the two sections. The Muslims used the Alcazaba as the military center until they were overthrown in the 15th Century.

Even though Moorish rule in Spain ended over five hundred years ago, The Alcazaba is the highlight of Moorish military architecture, and it is the most well-preserved fortress in Spain.

The old walls and gardens make you feel like you are centuries back in time. The view of the city center from the Alcazaba is fantastic, and you can spot all the popular attractions in the city center below.

Castle of Gibralfaro

For an even better view of the sea and the city, take a bus, taxi, or scenic walk from the Alcazaba to the Castillo de Gibralfaro, or the Castle of Gibralfaro.

With the most breathtaking views in Málaga, the castle was a crucial part of Spanish history. The Moors ruled the city until a siege in 1487. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabela’s armies spent three months trying to overtake the city, but the Moorish army stood strong thanks to the castle. Throughout history, the Castle has been indestructible because of the strong, multiple layers of walls, its location next to the sea, and the high hill it sits on. The siege finally ended when the Moors had to surrender because of starvation. King Ferdinand and Queen Isabela lived here after they conquered Málaga.

If you are touring all the historical sites in one day, save the castle for last since it is indisputably the best. The view of Málaga and the Mediterranean Sea is the best from here. The bright, blue sea stretches for miles, and the red and brown rooftops paint a beautiful picture of a Spanish city. At the top of the castle is a small bar where you can relax with a drink and enjoy the view.

In addition to having the best viewpoint in the city, the castle has many paths, walls, and areas to explore. Take a walk down the narrow walls on every side where soldiers used to patrol.

Explore The Best Historical Sites in Málaga!

Spending a day exploring the best historical site in Málaga is a fun and interesting way to learn about the city. Even if you are not typically into history, seeing these places is worth your time because of how unique they are!

If you missed my other posts on Málaga, you can find them below.

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All information is current as of publication. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect travel, and all destinations have different rules and restrictions in place. The pandemic may also affect the opening times of the attractions and establishments listed. Please do independent research before traveling anywhere, and consider the risks involved.