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Cathedral · Málaga, Andaluzia
Catedral de Málaga
Renaissance cathedral, Catedral da Encarnação, built from 1528 to 1782 and never finished: it has only one tower, 84 meters high, and is therefore called La Manquita.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Catedral de Málaga
The Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación was built on top of the former main mosque, where the Catholic Monarchs ordered a Christian temple to be constructed shortly after the city’s conquest in 1487. Work began in 1528. Diego de Siloé designed the apse, and masters such as Andrés de Vandelvira, Hernán Ruiz II and Diego de Vergara worked on the building.
The church was consecrated in 1588, still incomplete. Construction resumed in the 18th century and stopped in 1782. The south tower, the roof over the vaults and part of the decoration were left unfinished. Hence the nickname La Manquita, roughly “the little one-armed (lady).” According to local tradition, part of the money was diverted to help the independence of the United States, and a bilingual plaque recalls the episode.
The north tower reaches 84 metres. The vaults are among the highest in Spanish cathedrals. The dominant style is Renaissance, built on the original Gothic base with Baroque additions, such as the main façade, with medallions by Antonio Ramos from 1743.
Inside, the carved wooden choir and the side chapels stand out. It is also possible to climb to the roof, via narrow stairs, to see the city from above the vaults.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
About 1 hour for the interior. The climb to the roof takes another 45 minutes to 1 hour.
Best time
In the morning, right at opening, or mid‑afternoon. The tourist visit is interrupted during worship times; check before you go. The roof climb is best in clear weather.
How to get there
Located in the historic centre, between Calle Molina Lario and Plaza del Obispo, two minutes from Calle Larios and five from the Teatro Romano.
Tip
The roof climb is done in timed groups with a separate ticket, and places can sell out in high season: book in advance. The staircase has about 200 steps. Wear clothing that covers your shoulders.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Catedral de Málaga
Why is the Catedral de Málaga called La Manquita?
Because it ended up with only one of the two planned towers. Construction stopped in 1782, leaving out the south tower and the vaulted roof.
Can you go up onto the roof of the Catedral de Málaga?
Yes. There is a visit to the roofs (roof walk) in timed groups. From the top you can see the centre, the port and the Alcazaba. There are about 200 steps up a narrow staircase.
How long does the visit to the Cathedral take?
About an hour for the interior. With the climb to the roof, allow two hours in total.
Who designed Málaga Cathedral?
Diego de Siloé designed the apse. Later came Andrés de Vandelvira, Hernán Ruiz II and Diego de Vergara and, in the 18th century, José de Bada, Antonio Ramos and Ventura Rodríguez.