Malaga's manifold historic Treasures

The wonderful thing about owning a holiday home in Marbella is that one can pop up to Malaga every so often and enjoy the multitude of historic treasure the province's capital has to offer without overdoing it or getting too foot sore. Here are a few highlights for a day trip to Malaga:

Malaga Cathedral

Leaving the crowded Picasso Museum for another day, start with Malaga Cathedral, a magnificent 16th century religious monument at the Calle Molina (main entrance Calle Cister). Constructed on the site of a mosque, Malaga Cathedral's various chapels bear witness to the Christian's exuberance of having driven out the Moors, for the cathedral's chapels couldn't be more golden and splendid if Aladdin and his magic lamp had fashioned them.

Alcazaba

If ancient history interests you more, try the lower, western end of the Gibralfaro Hill, where the palace-cum-fortress of Malaga's erstwhile Islamic governors stands. Dating back to 1057, the Alcazaba is a romantic place now, displaying a variety of Roman artefacts and Moorish finds. One can enjoy hazy blue views of the harbour on warm spring days, breathe in the sweet scent of honeysuckle, jasmine and early roses on its ramparts and contemplate visiting the Roman theatre at the bottom of the hill or climb up to the Castillo de Gibralfaro at its summit.

Castillo de Gibralfaro

Perched on top of the pine-forested hill, the Castillo de Gibralfaro offers splendid views of old Malaga and the Roman theatre, the harbour with its gleaming white cruise liners and the azure blue sea beyond.

Built in the 8th century for Abd ar-Rahman, a powerful Cordoban emir, the castle underwent many transformations during Andalusia's turbulent medieval history. Rebuilt twice in the 14th and 15th centuries, the Castillo today consists of little more than its impressive ramparts, but there is a small informative museum which explains some of the military campaigns fought in and around the Castillo de Gibralfaro over the centuries.

Liceo

After all that historic splendour it is only natural to develop a thirst and hunger for something fresh and new. At the Calle 21 Beatas one can round off the historic Malaga sightseeing tour with a fun night out in a fine old mansion that has been converted to a trendy music bar and club.

The bar opens its doors to customers not before 9 pm and entertainment starts somewhat later than that, but if you're visiting Malaga for a long weekend, this is a great place to relax and be entertained before turning in at your hotel for a well-earned rest.

The bar is only open from Thursdays to Saturday nights, when it is heaving with a young student crowd. The music bar's labyrinthine interiors are a sight to behold, as one climbs up the spiral staircase and discovers more and more splendid rooms.


Eating Out and Sleeping

Malaga is full of splendid examples of Moorish architecture and if you fancy staying in a restored monastery that boasts a touch of Muslin magic try the El Riad Andaluz in the Historic Old Town in the Calle Hinestrosa. It may be a little more expensive than a hostel but its worth it for the exotic Moroccan styling of the place, all grouped around an interior courtyard. Tea and coffee is served throughout the day and the 8-roomed guesthouse is just a short walk from Malaga's trendiest bars, restaurants and lively plazas.

Also located within the Historic Old Town, near the Picasso Museum and Malaga Cathedral, the boisterous clientele of the La Rebaná tapas bar will guide you to this eatery in the Calle Molina Laria 5. Although the interiors are modern and minimalistic, the tapas is scrumptious and generously proportioned. They serve unusual tapas, too, so a great place to come and eat, after you've tried the more traditional fare elsewhere.

Before returning to Marbella's gleaming white apartment blocks along the Golden Mile it is important to remember that Marbella has its own historic splendour to offer at the picturesque Plaza de los Naranjos in Marbella Old Town, should you wake up in your holiday home with a hankering for 16th century architecture the next morning!