Malaga history

The history of Malaga spans nearly three thousand years, making it one of the oldest cities not only in Spain but in all of Europe. Its rich past is a kaleidoscope of cultures and civilizations, each leaving its unique mark on the architecture, traditions, and the very spirit of the city.

Foundation and First Mentions

The city was founded by the Phoenicians in approximately the 8th century BC and was named Malaka. It is believed that this name comes from a Phoenician word meaning "to salt," which is directly linked to the main trade of the first settlers — salting fish. Its strategic position in a convenient bay of the Mediterranean Sea quickly turned Malaka into an important trading port.

Key Development Factors

The development of Malaga over the centuries has been defined by several key factors:

• Geographic Location: Its location on the coast, protected by mountains, and the presence of a natural harbour made the city an ideal centre for seafaring and trade.
• Succession of Civilizations: After the Phoenicians, the city came under the rule of Carthage, and then became part of the Roman Empire. During the Roman period, Malaga, known as Lex Flavia Malacitana, received municipal status and acquired structures such as the Roman Theatre. Later came the era of Arab rule, during which the city reached its peak as an important cultural and economic hub of Al-Andalus.
• Trade: Throughout its early history, Malaga was a major trading hub. The Phoenicians traded salted fish and metals, while under the Arabs, the city was famous for the production of silk, leather, and fine grapes and raisins.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

In the Roman era, Malaga was Romanised, adopting the Latin language, legal system, and developed infrastructure. However, the city achieved its greatest prosperity during the period of Moorish rule, which lasted about eight centuries. During this time, the famous Alcazaba fortress was erected — a residence for rulers and a powerful defensive structure. The city became known for its crafts, science, and art, leaving behind a rich architectural and cultural heritage that still defines the unique appearance of Malaga today.

Key Milestones in the History of Malaga

The history of Malaga is a rich mosaic of eras and cultures that succeeded one another over nearly three millennia. To better understand the character of this Andalusian city, it is worth looking at its key historical moments that shaped its current appearance.

• 8th Century BC — The city is founded by the Phoenicians under the name Malaka and quickly becomes an important Mediterranean port specializing in trade and fish salting.
• 3rd Century BC — After the Punic Wars, Malaga passes under Roman rule. Iconic structures are built during this period, including the Roman Theatre, the ruins of which can still be seen today at the foot of the Alcazaba.
• 713 — The city becomes part of the Muslim state of Al-Andalus. The centuries-long Moorish period begins, gifting Malaga a unique oriental flair.
• 11th Century — The majestic Alcazaba fortress is erected, serving as a palace for the city's rulers and remaining one of the most impressive monuments of Moorish architecture in Spain to this day.
• 19 August 1487 — After a long siege, the city is conquered by the Catholic Monarchs, marking an important stage of the Reconquista and the beginning of a new Christian era in Malaga's history.
• 16th–17th Centuries — Difficult times arrive for the city, associated with epidemics, poor harvests, and social upheavals, leading to economic decline.
• 19th Century — Malaga undergoes the Industrial Revolution, becoming one of Spain's first industrial centres thanks to the development of metallurgy and the textile industry.
• 25 October 1881 — One of the greatest artists of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso, is born in Malaga. His name will forever remain linked to his hometown, which today houses a museum dedicated to him.
• 1960s — A tourism boom begins on the Costa del Sol. This event radically changes Malaga's economy, transforming it from an industrial port into one of the world's most popular and dynamically developing resorts.
• Early 21st Century — Malaga actively develops as a cultural hub. Numerous museums open, including a branch of the Centre Pompidou and the Carmen Thyssen Museum, cementing the city's status as a "city of museums."

The history of Malaga is a fascinating chronicle spanning nearly three thousand years. Founded on the sunny coast of Spain, the city has survived many eras, each leaving its unique mark on its architecture, culture, and economy. Key milestones of development have turned the ancient settlement into a thriving modern metropolis.

Main Stages of Malaga's Development:

• Phoenician Foundation (8th Century BC): The city was founded by Phoenician seafarers under the name Malaka. Its strategic position in a convenient bay and specialization in salting fish (from which the name likely originated) laid the foundation for its future as an important Mediterranean trading port.
• Roman Era (from 3rd Century BC): After the Roman conquest, the city, named Lex Flavia Malacitana, became a significant provincial centre. The Romans brought their laws, language, and engineering achievements. It was during this period that the Roman Theatre was built — one of the oldest in Spain, the ruins of which can still be seen today at the foot of the Alcazaba. The development of the road network connected Malaga with other cities on the peninsula, strengthening its commercial importance.
• Arab Rule (8th–15th Centuries): This period became a golden age for Malaga. The city, having become part of Al-Andalus, turned into a prosperous centre of crafts, trade, and science. The powerful fortresses of Alcazaba and Gibralfaro were erected, which still dominate the cityscape today. Malaga was famous for the production of silk, ceramics, and sweet raisins.
• Conquest by Catholic Monarchs (1487): After a prolonged siege, the city was conquered by the troops of Isabella and Ferdinand, which became an important stage of the Reconquista. This event led to radical changes: the construction of the Cathedral began, and the city started to integrate into the economy and culture of a unified Spain.
• Industrial Revolution (19th Century): Malaga became one of Spain's first industrial centres. The metallurgy, textile, and sugar industries developed actively in the city. This boom left behind characteristic industrial buildings and chimneys, some of which have been preserved as monuments to the industrial era.
• Tourism Boom (Second Half of the 20th Century): The development of the Costa del Sol region turned Malaga and its surroundings into one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. The construction of the airport, hotels, and leisure infrastructure gave a powerful boost to the city's economy, shifting the focus from industry to the service sector.
• Cultural Renaissance (21st Century): Modern Malaga positions itself as a "city of museums." The opening of the Centre Pompidou branch, the Carmen Thyssen Museum, and, of course, the Picasso Museum (the artist was born here) has turned the city into a major European cultural centre. In parallel, the technology sector is developing, making the city's economy even more diversified.

Architectural Mosaic: From Antiquity to Modernity

The architectural appearance of Malaga is a visual reflection of its multi-layered history, where each civilization has left its unique imprint in stone. Unlike many museum cities, Malaga lives and breathes, organically combining ancient ruins with dynamic modern development.

The Ancient World and Moorish Heritage

The foundation of the urban structure of the historic centre was laid in ancient and medieval times. These eras are represented by monumental structures that performed defensive and public functions.

• Roman Classicism (1st Century BC): The main monument of this era is the Roman Theatre. It demonstrates the strict canons of ancient architecture: the use of marble, the ideal proportions of the semi-circular seating area (cavea), and the functionality characteristic of Roman engineers.
• Islamic Architecture (11th–14th Centuries): The Alcazaba fortress and Gibralfaro Castle represent the pinnacles of Al-Andalus fortification art. This style is characterized by double walls, labyrinths of entrances for defence, horseshoe arches, and cosy courtyards with gardens and fountains, hidden from prying eyes.

The Christian Era: From Gothic to Baroque

After joining the lands of the Castilian Crown, the city began to transform. Religious structures became dominant in the urban landscape, often erected on the sites of former mosques.

• Gothic and Mudejar: The Church of Santiago — the oldest in the city — vividly illustrates the transitional period. Here, strict Christian Gothic intertwines with Mudejar traditions: brickwork and geometric ornaments inherited from Moorish masters.
• Renaissance and Baroque: The main symbol of the city is the Cathedral. Its construction lasted more than two hundred years, leading to a unique synthesis. The interior is executed in the majestic Renaissance style with its spaciousness and domes, while the main facade is lavish Baroque with an abundance of decor. The incompleteness of one of the towers gave the cathedral the nickname "La Manquita" (The One-Armed Lady).

The Bourgeois 19th Century and Eclecticism

In the 19th century, Spain experienced the Industrial Revolution, and Malaga became one of its centres. This time radically changed the urban environment, bringing European polish and orderliness to it.

• Eclecticism and Historicism: The city's calling card is Calle Marqués de Larios. An ensemble of buildings with rounded corners, inspired by the architecture of Chicago and Paris, demonstrates the taste of the wealthy bourgeoisie. It is a celebration of symmetry, elegant balconies, and spacious promenades.
• Industrial Modernism: The Atarazanas Market (Mercado de Atarazanas) is an example of how an ancient Moorish arch was integrated into an iron and glass structure, characteristic of late 19th-century industrial architecture.

Modern Urbanism

Today, the city is actively reimagining its spaces, especially in the coastal zone. The port area with the Muelle Uno promenade and the "Palm Garden of Surprises" (Palmeral de las Sorpresas) is an example of modern organic architecture and high-tech style. A landmark object is "The Cube" (El Cubo) of the Centre Pompidou — a multi-coloured glass structure that has become a beacon of the city's cultural renewal.

Notable Figures of Malaga

Malaga has given the world many talented people whose names have gone down in history. From artists and actors to philosophers and politicians — these personalities have left a significant mark on world culture and public life.

• Pablo Picasso (1881–1973) — Artist, sculptor, graphic artist. One of the most influential and famous artists of the 20th century, co-founder of Cubism. Picasso was born in Malaga, and the city carefully preserves the memory of its genius son: his birth house museum and the large Picasso Museum with an extensive collection of the master's works are located here.
• Antonio Banderas (born 1960) — Actor, director, producer. A world-famous Hollywood actor who always emphasizes his deep connection with his hometown. He actively participates in the cultural and social life of Malaga, owning a theatre and several restaurants.
• Solomon ibn Gabirol (c. 1021–1058) — Poet and philosopher. An outstanding thinker and poet of the "Golden Age" of Jewish culture in Spain. Born in Malaga, he became one of the key figures of medieval philosophy, whose works influenced subsequent generations of scholars.
• Victoria Kent (1891–1987) — Lawyer and politician. One of the first female lawyers in Spain and a prominent republican figure. She went down in history as a reformer of the penal system and a defender of human rights.
• Blas Infante (1885–1936) — Politician, writer, historian. Considered the "Father of the Andalusian Motherland" for his key role in the formation of Andalusian autonomy. Although he was born in Casares (Malaga province), his activities and ideas are inextricably linked with the entire region, including Malaga.
• Emilio Prados (1899–1962) — Poet. A member of the famous literary group "Generation of '27". Born and raised in Malaga, which often served as a source of inspiration for his lyrics. His work is an important part of Spain's literary heritage.