Always on the lookout for amazing buildings, façades and details, I was met with a bounty here. This group of centralized pedestrian only streets, contains a plethora of 19th century palaces, churches, fountains, statues and even an ancient roman theatre. The beautiful architecture of historical Malaga is a delight to witness and experience.
Location
This is the oldest part of the city, the central core. Protected by the hilltop fortress on Gibralfaro Mountain, the atmosphere is awash with Moorish vibes and classical whimsy.
Locate the glorious Malaga Cathedral or Calle Larios. Both places will have you in the heart of the historical neighbourhood. From here, wander at leisure, for this entire area is vehicle free. Walk the small alleys, take a seat in a café at the plaza or a curbside bar and absorb your surroundings.
Corners
This is a fascinating feature for me to see, and no matter how many times I see these particular buildings, I am always enthralled. They are of course, the ones built with a corner façade. In Malaga, many of these are taken to a whole new level.
Complete with curved balconies covered in glass, these are spectacular. When the sun is touching the details just right, or glinting off of that old wavy glass, my gosh, it’s a beautiful sight.
Moorish Influence
Like many of the cities I have visited along Southern Spain, there is evidence here of its Moorish past. Perhaps not nearly as much as the other cities, but if you look for the tell-tale signs, they are everywhere.
Those keyhole doorways and arches? Ornate and decorative tile? Beautiful and distinctive brickwork? Or how about that carved stucco that is resplendent in Alhambra and the Royal Alcazar of Seville?
Balconies
Another favourite feature that I am fond of are balconies, specifically these narrow Juliet ones. The iron or wood detailing, paired with the multiple panes of glass offer such a pretty characteristic.
I have been lucky enough to be in an Airbnb on the fourth and top floor of one of these buildings. I have my very own tiny balcony that I go onto daily, and have a look down my little street.
Standing there with feet freezing on the cold marble, I am able to be at par with the pigeon roosts and have a bird’s eye view of my surroundings. It’s a lovely feature, so romantic and luxurious to have any view at all for this budget traveller.
Painted Facades
One of the things I loved seeing in Granada was the old painted facades of buildings, especially ones that had not been refurbished yet. Seeing those original colours and charming details of figures and scroll work was a highlight.
Here in Malaga, I notice this too, not to the extent of the ones in Granada, but here never the less. Have a look at these beautiful facades that have been painted with pattern and images. So lovely are the old ones struggling to survive but probably have their days numbered.
Streets
Now imagine all of these features together and you have the street views which contain them. Walking around this district, and seeing the architecture all come together, with colour and lights is a beautiful thing.
The feeling of stepping back in time, not that long ago, but long enough to be so completely different than how we construct things now. Bricks, plaster, wood, glass and iron, and countless hours of labour. That we can love and appreciate these buildings today brings me joy.
