The Cathedral in Malaga is quite an impressive structure with its main tower being visible from all over Malaga. It is located in the old quarter in central Malaga near the old port area.
It was built between 1525 and 1782 on the site of a former mosque. Two towers where to be built originally however lack of funds meant that only one was completed giving rise to the its name of La Manquita , roughly translated meaning the one armed women.
The interior has influences of the Renaissance and baroque styles. The 17th century mahogany and cedar wood choir stalls where designed by Luis Ortiz. After his death Pedro de Mena completed them by carving 40 statues of the saints behind each stall who was one of Spain's most celebrated wood-carvers of the time and who had spent many years living in the city.
Adjacent to the the cathedral is the Iglesia del Sagrano which was 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.
On a side note, the Cathedral is located in one of Malagas prettiest and historical areas. Close there a lots of old streets to explore, and in quite a few you will find some of the best tapas bars in all of Malaga. The area continues to go through quite a face lift over the post 5 years with many of the old properties being converted into fine little tapas bars, small restaurants and fun bars.
I would recommend the following eateries as must visits when in Malaga: Bar LoGueno, Las Chinitas, Bodega la Quitapeñas and the Rincon de Mata.
Best of all the local architecture has not suffered from this face lift, in fact it has benefited as local building laws mean that the facade of the old buildings remain intact.
Gary
