Malaga is the Capital of the Costa del Sol and sits within the autonomous region of Andalucia. With a population of 568,305 in 2009, Malaga is the second most populated city within Andalucia and the sixth largest in Spain. Enjoying the warmest winters in Europe, with averge temperatures of 17.2C during the months of December to February. With a strong maritime influence from the Mediterranean and protected by the Montes de Malaga, which act as a barrier against weather systems from the North. It is not hard to understand why Malaga is one of Spain’s foremost tourist destinations – Video of Malaga.
One of the World’s oldest cities
Malaga is one of the oldest cities in the World with close to three thousand years of history. The Phoenicians originally founded a commercial center here in early 7C BC, which they named Malaca. The name is most probably derived from the word Malac – to salt. The Greeks and Carthaginians were briefly present and further established Malaca as a trading post. In 3C BC the Romans conquered the city and a created a colony that was federated to Rome until AD81, whereupon it attained the status of a Roman municipality. The city was renamed Flavia Malacita and quickly grew in importance, with the port used to export oil, raisins, wine and salted fish and meat. Malaga’s port and the Roman amphitheatre were constructed during this time.
Moorish rule
Following the Moorish conquest – 714-716 – the city came under the jurisdiction of the Caliphate of Córdoba. With the rise and fall of various Muslim dynasties, the city eventually fell under the control of the Nasrids, in Granada. Malaga became the main port and the city was called Mālaqah. Enjoying great prosperity during this period, mainly due to the development of it’s textile industry. The fortress – the Alcazaba was built in 11C and in 14C the Gibralfaro fortress was rebuilt and extended by Yusif I.
The Christians
It took close to a hundred years before the Christians managed to re-conquer the city. Finally doing so in 1487. The new port was built and with the liberalisation of trade with the Americas, Malaga prospered. Between 1810 and 1812 the city fell into the hands of the French. Another important and sad event in Malaga’s history was the execution of General Torrijos and his companions in 1831 (remembered by the monument in Plaza de Merced named after him).
Nineteenth and twentieth centuries
The 19C was the era of the industrial revolution. Two wealthy families, the Heredia (iron and steel) and the Larios (textiles) based their factories in Malaga. Malaga was at the forefront of the Spanish industrial revolution, resulting in a large manufacturing and working-class district to the West of the city. Towards the end of the 19C, recession brought about a sudden change of fortunes.
The early 20C were very difficult times, with various natural disasters – earthquakes, plagues and failed harvests, that all took a heavy toll on the local population. The political instability in this period culminated with the Spanish civil war. Malaga underwent fierce bombing by Republican air forces and naval units in 1936. Leading to the famous exodus of approximately 100,000 civilians who marched to Almeria (February 1937).
Modern day
The 1950s were the beginnings of new era for Malaga and the Costa del Sol. Tourism was just beginning to take hold and proving to be an invaluable injection into the local economy.
Wandering around Malaga is like walking around an open air museum with Phoenician, Roman, Moorish and Christian influences. This rich artistic heritage has culiminated in the nomination of Malaga as a candidate for the 2016 European Capital of Culture.
For information see - Photographical journey through Malaga’s top 15 sights and for holiday homes in Malaga
