SPAIN : MALAGA
Malaga
is the major coastal city of
Andalucia
and is a genuine and typical Andaluz city. It
ranks as the fifth largest metropolitan area in Spain. The city is
surrounded by mountains and two rivers, the Guadalmedina and the
Guadalhorce, that flow near the city into the Mediterranean. The
population of the urban area of Malaga is 814.000.
The coastal area enjoys a privileged geographical position: protected
from the North winds by the mountains, it benefits from the highest
average temperatures in Spain and over 300 days of sunlight per year.
The attractive city lies on a beautiful sweep of bay in Andalucia.
Malaga
has a very cosmopolitan feel about it and is furthermore blessed with
sunshine and a spectacular quality of light. It is a city of wide
boulevards, swaying palm trees, lively nightlife, good museums and
excellent seafood restaurants.
The Phoenicians founded the city “Malaka” here, in about 1000 b.c The
name is probably derived from the Phoenician word for salt because fish
was salted near the harbour. About seven centuries later, the Romans
conquered the city along with the other Spanish areas of Carthago. From
the 5th century onwards it was under the rule of the Visigoths. In the
8th century, Spain was conquered by the Moors, and the city became an
important centre of trade. At a late stage of the reconquista, the
reconquering of Spain, Malaga became Christian again, in 1487.
This illustrious past has left its imprint on the historic centre,
particularly around La Alcazaba, a fortress which dates back to 1065 and
is now a fascinating archaeological museum.
In more recent times, Malaga underwent fierce bombing by the Italian and
Nationalist air forces during the Spanish Civil War in 1936. Tourism on
the adjacent Costa del Sol boosted the city's economy in the 1960s.
Malaga
has an ancient history, but nevertheless it can show a modern side too.
The heart of the commercial centre is the main shopping street called
“Calle Larios”. It is the recommended area to start exploring the city
because it is surrounded by attractive small streets and plazas. Nearby
is the magnificent cathedral, a Renaissance cathedral with a Baroque
façade and choir by Pedro de Mena..
The inner city of Málaga is just behind the harbour. The quarters of El
Perchel, La Trinidad and Lagunillas surround this centre. The city has
much revenue from the agricultural sector and from tourism.
The nearby castle, which was rebuilt by the Moors, is today a
traditional parador (state hotel) with superb panoramic views. During
the 19th century,
Malaga
was a popular winter resort for the wealthy famed for its elegance and
sophistication. The impressive park on Calle Alameda dates back to this
era and is recognised as being one of the most celebrated botanical
collections in Europe.
The city’s most famous son is Pablo Picasso. There are several
galleries showing his work, including the 16th century
Museum of Fine Arts, next to the Cathedral. Picasso’s birthplace in
Plaza Merced is today an archive of his life and works and open to the
public.
