This mini-Alhambra, with its horseshoe arches and geometric Islamic decoration, was the palace-fortress of the city's Moorish rulers. It was built mostly in the 11th century, hugging the hillside with beautiful terraced gardens (best viewed from the fountain on Paseo del Parque) and a Roman amphitheatre below. The interior has an archaeological museum and the upper levels offer fine views.
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Things to see in Málaga
Tourist information:
Municipal Tourist Office
Avenida Cervantes 1, just off Paseo del Parque
Tel: (95) 213 4730.
www.malagaturismo.com
There is another office by the port entrance, Plaza de la Marina 11 (tel: (95) 212 2020). Several more information kiosks dotted around the city, including at the airport and bus station, by the Teatro Romana, the Cathedral and at Plaza de la Merced.
Regional Tourist Office
Pasaje de Chinitas 4, just off Plaza de la Constitución
Tel: (95) 221 3445.
www.andalucia.org
Passes:
The Málaga Card (tel: 902 877 996; www.malagacard.es) includes entry to most museums and attractions and various city-wide discounts but is only value for money if you plan to take the included Málaga Tour bus trip.
Alcazaba
Opening Times: Tues-Sun 0930-1900.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Calle Alcazabilla, Malaga, Spain
Telephone: (95) 2216 005.
Castillo de Gibralfaro
Málaga's highest ground is occupied by the crenellated walls and towers of this 14th-century fortress built to defend the Alcazaba immediately below. It now offers a small museum, peaceful pretty gardens and wonderful views.
Opening Times: Daily 0900-1800 (winter); daily 0900-2000 (summer).
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Camino Gibralfaro s/n, Malaga, Spain
Telephone: (95) 221 7646.
Cathedral
Built between the 16th and the 18th centuries, although never finished, Málaga's cathedral is an impressive soaring structure. Don't miss the carved choir stalls or the two organs. Opposite, the imposing Bishop's Palace stages art exhibitions.
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 1000-2000; Sat 1000-1700.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Calle Molina Lario 9, Malaga, Spain
Telephone: (95) 221 5917.
Website:
www.malagaturismo.com
Centro de Arte Contemporáneo (CAC)
This gleaming white space, set in a former warehouse, has a small permanent collection of contemporary art, but it is the quality of the temporary exhibitions which draws the crowds, particularly on Sundays when the café terrace soon fills up.
Opening Times: Tues-Sun 1000-2000 (June-Sept).
Admission Fees: No.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Calle Alemania s/n, Malaga, Spain
Telephone: (95) 212 0055.
Website:
www.cacmalaga.org
Concepción Botanical Gardens
It's a short cab ride to these impressive botanic gardens north of town. The range of trees and plants from around the world, the great views over the city, and the peaceful change from Málaga's sometimes hectic beach scene make it worth the visit.
Opening Times: Daily 0930-2030 (Apr-Sept); daily 0930-1730 (Oct-Mar).
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Camino del Jardín Botánico 3, Malaga, Spain
Telephone: (95) 225 2148.
Website:
http://laconcepcion.malaga.eu
Museo de Artes Populares
Set in a charming 17th-century house, this museum of bygones is packed with fascinating colourful displays of ordinary Andalucian life from the last three centuries, including farming, wine, fashion, bullfighting, ceramics and fishing.
Opening Times: Mon-Fri 1000-1330 & 1600-1900, Sat 1000-1330 (winter); Mon-Fri 1000-1330, Sat 1000-1330 (summer).
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Pasillo de Santa Isabel 10, Malaga, Spain
Telephone: (95) 221 7137.
Website:
www.museoartespopulares.com
Picasso Museum
Pablo Picasso was born in Málaga in 1881 and this collection of around 160 of his works is housed in a 16th-century Andalucian palace. It includes paintings, drawings, sculptures and ceramics from his earliest works up to the 1970s and is notable for the portrayal of the women and children in the artist's life.
Opening Times: Tues-Thurs & Sun 1000-2000; Fri-Sat 1000-2100.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address:
Telephone: 902 443 377.
Website:
www.museopicassomalaga.org
Plaza de la Merced
This handsome square is Málaga's liveliest, lined with popular bars, cafés and restaurants. It is home to the Fundación Picasso Museo Casa Natal, the artist's birthplace, now an interesting little museum.
Opening Times: Opening hours: Mon-Sat 0930-2000.
Admission Fees: Yes.
Disabled Access: No
Unesco: No
Address: Plaza de la Merced 15, Malaga, Spain
Telephone: (95) 206 0215.
Website:
www.fundacionpicasso.es
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