Founded by the Phoenicians, Málaga sits on the south coast of Spain just past the Strait of Gibraltar. It has lovely beaches, a huge port, a modern new part of the city (with tons of bars, restaurants, shopping, and hotels and apartments), a beautiful old town (including on of the most stunning cathedrals I have ever seen, an Alcazaba - a fortified Moorish palace, castle ruins, and an ancient Roman Theater), a growing artistic culture, and all with a view of the Mediterranean. Wow!
We were to have an excursion, but were able to meet up with our friends, Rosa and Steve. Rosa was our tour operator a few years ago when we spent a lot of time in Spain. We became friends and now see each other whenever we visit. Once again, she and (now husband) Steve took time off work to come play with us. Of course we benefited by her expertise and got a personal tour of the city.
We started off at La Farole, the old lighthouse, and headed into the historic center. On the way we passed a May day celebration/protest. Democracy in action!
Our first stop was at the Church of the Sacred Heart. The altar was beautiful, but the ceiling is what caught my eye...it seems so modern.
All charcoal gray and white. Surprising.
Next we climbed our way to the top of the Alcazaba - the Moorish fortified palace built in the 11th century. The stairs are steep and a bit scary with no handrails. The gardens are intimate and lovely. The view is amazing.
Next to the entrance to the Alcazaba, there are some Roman ruins - a theater - dating from the 1st century. Several years ago, the Alcazaba was undergoing some restorative work, and they were trying to make a small parking lot when they uncovered the ancient ruins.
You can see the ancient ruins in the middle of the pic.
Another ancient thing in the middle of the picture. No, wait, that's the view.
No wait, THAT'S the view (of the Bullring).
Time for lunch. Rosa and Steve vacation in Málaga, so they know just where to go. We hit an outdoor patio filled with locals and tourists and musicians, and we ate like kings! We shopped a bit and then headed to the main attraction, the cathedral.
From the 13th-14th century, the cathedral is one of the most important renaissance structures in Europe. It's absolutely enormous and incredibly beautiful. These pictures don't even begin to do it justice. Check out the link. Interesting: Note it only has one bell tower. As in all construction, there is a budget, and they simply ran out of money. Some things never change.
Missing tower - looks almost like rebar sticking up out of there...it's unfinished columns.
One side of the 4,000 pipe organ.
We passed by Picasso's birthplace, and the church in which he was baptized.
The church is just down the street.
And we finished the day at a rooftop bar.
Thank you, Rosa. Te amo!
I can't wait to visit Málaga again when we have more time. Tonight we sail for Barcelona. We are at sea tomorrow (madly packing, I expect) and arrive in Barcelona at 6am on Friday. We'll head to the airport and back to Lisbon for a few days (Lisbon - Act 2).
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