The official name of the Cathedral of Malaga is the Nuestra Señora de la Encarnación, but everyone calls it “La Manquita”. La Manquita is the city’s most important historical monument, Its Renaissance interior, splendidly ornate religious iconography carved 17th century choirstall and hushed ambience.The Málaga Cathedral is the largest architectural jewel of the city and its most representative monument. Any trip to Málaga should include a visit to this beautiful temple.
And, why do they call to the Málaga Cathedral la “Manquita”?
?
The Cathedral was built over the main mosque of the city. Just after the Reconquista, when the Catholic Monarchs entered in the city, one of the first things they did was to consecrate the mosque in a crowded and solemn Mass.
But it was not until 1528 when the works began on the new Cathedral, carrying out the most significant remodelings. Because of the high requisites of the project and the lack of funding, the works were paralyzed for over a century until started again in the eighteenth century, leaving the south tower unfinished since it was never built.
The contrast of the great north tower that can reach 85 mts high and the unfinished south tower have made it earn the nickname “la Manquita”.
One of the facades of the Málaga Cathedral faces the Plaza del Obispo, which is a beautiful place full of terraces to sit and eat and drink in a fabulous atmosphere.
Visiting the interior of the Málaga Cathedral
Inside the temple you can visite the Cathedratic Museum and also find a number of artworks , among them are the tombs of the sixteenth century Chapel of San Francisco and the Gothic altarpiece of the Chapel of Santa Barbara. Another piece can finding is its fantastic choir , whose stone is carved in wood in double row of seats by Francisco de Mora.
The two magnificent organs, both from the 18th century have 4000 pipes are in good condition. The chapel of the Incarnation displays a neoclassical reredos of 1786, the work of Juan Villanueva and carved by Antonio Ramos, with sculptures of Salazar and Palomino.
Admission for adults is € 5.- and € 3.- for children
Information about Málaga Cathedral
