Malaga Cathedral – Tickets and Guide

Tourist Information for Malaga Cathedral

The Malaga Cathedral, also known as ‘La Manquita‘ in Spanish, is one of Malaga’s most famous landmarks and most visited tourist attractions.

The name, which which translates to ‘The One-Armed Lady‘, comes from the fact the Cathedral was originally supposed to have two towers, but they never finished the second one – effectively leaving it ‘one-armed’.

Cathedral of Malaga General Information
Location	C. Molina Lario, 9, 29015 Málaga, Spain.
Opening Times	Monday to Friday: 10AM – 9PM Saturday and Sunday: 10AM – 6:30PMOpens at 2pm Sunday
Entry and Tickets	General admission starts from €10 for adults. Roof access is an extra €10 Skip the line access and guided tour (recommended) from €20 (Book Tickets Online)

Cathedral of Malaga Tickets and Tours

How to buy tickets to Cathedral of Malaga Tickets for Málaga Cathedral can be purchased at the door. It is worth booking a tour of the Cathedral. Not only does it offer a lot more information and context to the visit but you’ll also be able to skip the queue. Lines can get pretty long and there are a set number of people allowed in the Cathedral, so best to pre-book. – Skip the queue access to the Cathedral. – Local expert guide showing you the exterior and interior of the Cathedral. – Tour lasts around 90 minutes and costs €20 (Book Tickets Online) Powered by GetYourGuide

Visiting Malaga Cathedral

You can explore Malaga Cathedral for free on Saturday (8.30-9am) and Sunday (8.30-9.30am)

You can also get ‘restricted’ access to the Cathedral for free if you are visiting for ‘worship‘ instead of a ‘cultural tour‘. By entering to the left of the main line, you can view a small section of the main chapel.

Be aware that this is primarily focused for locals and Catholic worshippers, and you’ll miss large parts of the Cathedral this way.

The Cathedral’s location is directly in the centre of Malaga and you can pretty much see it from most locations in the city. The best views of the Cathedral can be found from the Alcazaba or the Gibralfaro Castle, so if you’re having trouble getting a good photo save it for when you are visiting these top attractions.

Top Tip: Look out for the Cathedral’s tiny museum at the end of your tour. You can find it via some wooden stairs in the souvenir/gift shop. Most people miss it!

History of Malaga Cathedral

Construction of Malaga Cathedral started in 1528 on the site of a former mosque, shortly after the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, took control of Málaga from the Moors.

The initial design was Gothic, but the project has evolved significantly over time.

Building the cathedral was a long process that spanned about 200 years. Over those years, different architects came in and added their own touches. As a result, the cathedral is a blend of architectural styles, mainly Renaissance and Baroque.

Despite the long construction period, the cathedral was never actually finished. The original plans included two bell towers, but only one was completed. This is why it’s nicknamed ‘The One-Armed Lady‘.

What to see in Malaga Cathedral

The highlight of Malaga Cathedral is the main interior, with stunning sculpted wooden choir stalls and beautifully designed chapels throughout. You will be physically stunned with the detail and in awe at the size and scope of the place.

Here are a few less well known parts of the Cathedral grounds that are worth checking out:

Malaga Cathedral Roof

You are able to access the Cathedral’s roof if you pay extra (10 euros as of 2024) when visiting. The additional tour adds a lot of interesting information on the construction of the Cathedral, including the history behind the ‘one armed lady‘.

Not only this, the views on offer are some of the best in Malaga – offering a much better viewpoint than some restaurants and hotel roof top bars.

Malaga Cathedral Gardens

The gardens of Malaga Cathedral are very beautiful, lined with neat hedge rows, flowers, and sculptures. There are also a few ornate water features, which people make the most of to get photos of the Cathedral.

Iglesia Del Sagrario

The Iglesia del Sagrario is a small church that is built onto the side of main Cathedral. The interior is absolutely beautiful and is a must visit! It has an odd rectangle shape, and a fascinating history linked to the original on-site mosque.

Malaga Cathedral Museum

The Cathedral also has a small museum that contains some religious paintings and sculptures. Access through he Cathedral’s gift shop.

For up-to date information, including events and festivals, visit the official Malaga Cathedral website.

Malaga Cathedral Location and How to Get There

The Malaga Cathedral is located in central Malaga, in the Centro Historico district, making it convenient to visit alongside a large number of Malaga’s top attractions.

The Picasso Museum and Alcazaba are both within minutes walk of the Cathedral making it easy for tourists visiting Malaga.

With regards to buses, you can take any of the following buses (1, 36, 37, Circular 1 ), and get off at Plaza de la Merced, which is just a 5 minute walk to the Cathedral.

The hop-on hop-off tourist bus also stops near the Cathedral.

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