Christopher's Expat Adventure: Málaga, Spain

Thursday, March 23, 2017

Málaga, Spain

Málaga is the biggest city on the Costa del Sol, the second largest in Andalusia and the sixth largest in Spain. It is home to over 569,000 people making it also the biggest city in southwest Europe. On the Mediterranean Sea, it is about 100 km (62 miles) from Gibraltar and 130 km (81 miles) from Africa.

Málaga is one of the oldest cities in the world. The Phoenicians founded it around 770 BC. Over the centuries it has been ruled by the Phoenicians, Romans, Visigoths, and the Moors until the Christians took control in 1487 as part of the Reconquista.

Today it is a popular tourist destination with around 6 million visitors each year.

Since the 1970s there's been a increase in the number of Germans and Brits moving here. I wonder what impact Brexit will have on that?

The Alcazaba is a Moorish castle on a hill in the middle of the city. The fort was built in the 11th century and it was largely restored in 1930.

The Castillo de Gibralfaro is another Moorish fort that was built in the 11th century. It served as a military garrison from 1487 to 1925. You can walk around the upper walls and there are great views of the city.

The Roman theatre dates back to the 1st century BC. It was discovered in 1951.

The Cathedral was built from 1528 to 1782. Only the façade is Baroque while the rest is in the Renaissance style.

The Cervantes Theatre opened in 1870. It was restored and reopened in 1987 with additional conservation work carried out in 2016.

The Sacred Heart Church was built in 1920 by the Jesuits.

The Bullring was built in 1874. The stadium can seat 14,000 people.

Pablo Picasso was born in Málaga so it makes sense that there's a Picasso museum.

The town hall was built between 1912 and 1919.

The Church of St. John the Baptist was built in the late 15th century. The tower was rebuilt from 1869 to 1783 following an earthquake which demolished the previous tower.

The Monument for the Family Gálvez of Macharaviaya honours four brothers and one son who all important men of state. The son, Bernardo de Gálvez y Madrid led Spanish forces against Britain in the Revolutionary War helping the American 13 colonies gain independence. He is one of only eight people to ever have been awarded honorary U.S. citizenship.