Visiting La Manquita is a plan that cannot be missed in any itinerary through Malaga city. From almost every corner of the historic center, this tower rises majestically over the city, marking the most recognizable profile of the Cathedral of Malaga.
If you walk along the end of Calle Larios, in the Plaza de la Constitución, you will be able to see how a complete tower rises and, next to it, its unfinished twin. And if you are passionate about photography, take note of this tip: from Moreno Monroy Street you will find one of the most photogenic perspectives of the Cathedral. Its narrow outline and the play of light between the buildings frame the tower of La Manquita as if it were a postcard.
Without a doubt, a perfect place for your photos of the Cathedral of Malaga, but what is the history behind that solitary tower that dominates the Malaga sky?
A bit of history: the Cathedral of Malaga
After the arrival of the Catholic Monarchs in Malaga in 1487, they ordered the construction of a large Christian temple that reflected the importance of the new Christian city. The project, however, did not begin until 1528.
At first, the plans were in the Gothic style, but with the passage of time the architects, with Diego de Siloé at the head, transformed it into a Renaissance work, to which Baroque details were later added. This mixture of styles, the result of more than two centuries of work, is precisely what makes the Cathedral of the Incarnation in Malaga a unique piece in Andalusian art. Its floor plan and enormous height testify to its Gothic origin.
The legend of "La Manquita"
In 1782, the construction was considered "finished", although in reality only one of the two towers had been erected. The south tower was left unfinished, as we see it today, and the sculptures designed to finish off the façade were also left undone.
And here the most famous curiosity is born: why was the Cathedral of Malaga never finished? The legends are many and much commented on. The most widespread version for many years says that the funds intended to continue the works were used to help finance the American War of Independence.
Others say that the money was used to repair the roads that linked Malaga with Vélez-Málaga and Antequera. The reality is that during the reign of Charles III and with the Count of Floridablanca as secretary of state, economic funds were no longer contributed to this great work. Be that as it may, the truth is that this absent tower turned the cathedral into an endearing symbol for the people of Malaga. Its "imperfection" has been giving it personality, character and a history that makes it unique among the cathedrals of Spain.
The Cathedral of Malaga hides some curiosities that surprise those who visit it: from its mixture of styles to the mystery of its unfinished tower, every detail invites you to discover it calmly.
Design, art and curiosities
Although incomplete, La Manquita impresses with its grandeur. Its only tower reaches 84 meters, which makes it the second tallest in Andalusia, only behind the Giralda in Seville. This grandeur is contributed by the spectacular height of its naves, which are around 40 metres high, making it one of the tallest in all of Spain.
On the main façade, the Corinthian columns and the symmetry of their Baroque doorways stand out. The floor plan maintains the original Gothic style, while the chevet and elevation respond to the Renaissance ideal.
A great unknown is the interior of the Cathedral of Malaga, where authentic jewels of art are preserved. The works of Juan Niño de Guevara, Claudio Coello, Alonso de Mena and Alonso Cano dialogue with the mural paintings of César Arbasia in the main chapel or the nineteenth-century stained glass windows made in Paris.
Visits to the Cathedral of Malaga
If you are wondering about visits to the Cathedral of Malaga, you will be delighted to know that it is located in the heart of the city, with access through the Patio de los Naranjos, which overlooks Calle Císter, and that it can be visited from Monday to Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
One of the most recommended experiences is to go up to the roofs of the Cathedral. The visit, always guided, includes a climb of about 200 steps to reach 50 meters in height. From there, the views of Malaga are simply spectacular: the port, the Alcazaba, Mount Gibralfaro and the historic centre stretch out underfoot.
During the day, you can visit the vaults from Tuesday to Sunday (10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.), and at night, on Fridays from 8:30 p.m. A different experience that will leave you speechless.
Will La Manquita ever end?
The question has been flying over the sky of Malaga for more than two centuries. After 260 years, history seems to take a new turn: the Cathedral of Malaga is currently under construction, resuming part of a project that was interrupted more than two centuries ago, on July 5, 1782.
The new interventions do not seek to raise the missing tower, but to solve the problems of damp and leaks that affected the roof and the structure of the building. The work includes the installation of a system of balusters, pinnacles and pedestals, as well as the rehabilitation of the terraces above the chapels and the system of downspouts, an essential step to end the leaks that had damaged the Cathedral for years.
Although the debate on whether or not to complete the tower is still open, the truth is that these works represent a firm step towards the preservation of the Basilica of Santa María de la Encarnación, ensuring that La Manquita will continue to shine in all its splendor for many centuries to come.
An unfinished jewel, but perfect
Perhaps one day its second tower will be finished, but many people from Malaga prefer it to remain like this: La Manquita, imperfect but unmistakable, witness to the passage of time and the soul of a city that knows how to value beauty in the unfinished.
Don't miss this wonder on your next visit to the Costa del Sol!
