How to visit the Cathedral of Malaga, a Renaissance treasure: schedules, prices

Until a few years ago, thinking about a trip to an Andalusian capital probably involved choosing between Seville, Córdoba and Granada.

Málaga It was never among the destinations of a tourist visit; However, today it has become a first-rate attraction.

The reasons must be found in the revitalization of the center and the opening of museums such as the Picasso Museum, Thyssen and others.

But in other cases the attractions have always been there, like the Botanical Garden, Alcazaba, Gibralfaro castle with its great panoramic views, the lively life in its traditional taverns and, of course, the Cathedral.

You just had to look and value the great heritage that exists in each Spanish city.

Cathedral of the Incarnation, Renaissance treasure in Malaga

It must be said that the Cathedral Basilica of the Incarnation of Malaga It is one of the greats renaissance treasures that we can admire anywhere trip through Andalusia.

Logically, it is one of the main attractions of any visit to the capital of Malaga.

As always, the cathedral is located in the heart of the city so it is very easy to include it in any itinerary.

The first time you arrive at the Cathedral facade, through quite narrow streets, is quite surprising.

First, because it is always said that it is a renaissance jewel, but the façade does not respond in any way to this style, but is an excellent sample of baroque art.

This is because it took so long, in fact several centuries, to finish the work, that although they tried at all times to remain faithful to the renaissance spirit From the first projects, social and artistic tastes had evolved a lot when the main façade could finally be built.

Curiosities about the history of the Cathedral of Malaga

The Catholic kings They conquered Malaga in 1487 and immediately decided to have a cathedral built on the site where the most important mosque was located.

There are some descriptions of this mosque, such as the one made by the Tangier traveler Ibn Battuta, who visited Malaga on his travels throughout the Muslim world.

La first construction was done in Gothic style but the project changed many times during the 16th century, and practically all the important Spanish Renaissance architects participated in that process, such as Siloam y Vandelvira.

La Malaga Cathedral was consecrated in 1588, although it was not finished. The works were resumed in the 18th century.

A curious and well-known aspect is that The cathedral only has one tower, the one on the north side. The reason that has always been given was the lack of funds for the construction of the south tower.

In reality there was money, but the monarch preferred to allocate it to other public works such as improving roads and building water pipelines in the province.

Part of these funds was also dedicated to financing the North American revolution against English power, a revolt in which some people from Malaga played an important role.

Another surprising detail of the façade is that The body of the cathedral is set back from the bases of the towers.

If we look closely, we will see that the façade has two floors, each one divided into three parts. All of it shows a very elaborate decoration, typical of the Baroque.

The part corresponding to the towers adapts perfectly to this distribution and decoration.

Malaga Cathedral Tower

From there, as we have already said, only the north tower stands, the one on the left as we look from the front, which is why the cathedral is popularly known as “the little arm".

With its 87 meters, This tower is the second tallest of any Andalusian cathedral since the Giralda of Seville almost reaches 95 meters.

Until a few years ago, both monuments were the two tallest buildings in all of Andalusia.

Before entering we can take a complete tour of the complex to see the outside and get an idea of ​​the dimensions of the complex. This route is done through pedestrian streets.

If we go counterclockwise we will go along the Abbots' Shutter.

As we move along the side we see that the Baroque of the façade disappears and it is as if we went back in time.

Puerta del Sol in Malaga Cathedral

On this south side we see the Puerta del Sol, framed between two towers, and the image is quite imposing.

The part of the header, Canyon Street, is the most sober part of the set, and it is always said that it has the appearance of a fortress.

This effect is evident if we look at the gargoyles, which look like cannons.

Orange Courtyard and Chain Gate

La Canyon Street takes us to a small park, the Orange Courtyard.

And from here we see that the north side, the one that faces the Cistercian street, is symmetrical to the south side. In this case we see the Gate of Chains, also framed between towers.

However, on this side we find the Chapel of the Tabernacle, which is the oldest part of the cathedral complex, and which should not be missed. gothic facade.

What to see inside the Malaga Cathedral

After the exterior tour we can begin the visit inside.

You should know that in addition to the normal visit, for a few years now you can also make a tour of the covers, which offers a completely different image of the cathedral, as well as good views of the surrounding area.

Upon entering, the first thing that stands out is the monumentality of the complex and its large dimensions. The ships are more than 40 meters high.

The layout of the cathedral is similar to that of other cathedrals, with three ships of equal height although the central one is wider.

Several chapels open along the side naves. The two most interesting are on the right side.

If we start the visit from the entrance of the main façade, the nave that is on our right is the Epistle nave.

Chapel of the Rosary and the painting of Alonso Cano

Among the chapels found on this side, we must highlight the Capilla del Rosario by the box Alonso Cano who presides over it, one of the great treasures of the cathedral.

Another interesting chapel is that of the Virgin of the Kings, which is already on the cruise.

There we can look at the gothic carvings The Virgin and Catholic kings. There is also a very spectacular painting, the Beheading of Saint Paul.

The central nave is occupied mainly by the choir and main chapel.

Choir of the Cathedral of Malaga, a baroque work from the 17th century

The chorus is one of masterpieces of baroque sculpture from the 17th century.

The decoration is meticulous and very beautiful; It is made by several artists but, above all, the parts that are the work of Peter of Mena.

There you have to look up a little to see the two organs, which are considered among the best of the Spanish baroque.

Main Chapel, great baroque work

La Capilla Mayor of the cathedral of Malaga is a baroque prodigy in which the paintings in the lower part and the sculptures in the upper part send a doctrinal message that is a true visual catechesis.

As has been said before, this visit can be complemented with the climb to the deck, which is accessed through the north tower.

The climb is done by a narrow staircase that you have to climb about 50 meters.

Then you go outside and there is a walkway that allows you to walk along the deck, from where there is a good panoramic view of the center of Malaga.

Access may be closed if weather conditions require it.

Visit schedules and ticket prices for Malaga Cathedral

The cathedral is open to tourist visits on weekdays in hours from 10 a.m. to 20 p.m..

Saturday hours are from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m., and on Sundays and holidays, from 14 p.m. to 18 p.m.

El price of tickets to visit the cathedral and go up to the roof It is 8 euros each, and the combined entry It costs 12 euros.

There are different rates for schoolchildren, students, seniors, groups, etc.