Malaga is a vibrant city located on the southern coast of Spain, in the region of Andalusia. Overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, it is known for its long history, which reflects the influence of many different civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Romans, and Arabs. Today Malaga is a lively cultural center, famous for its historic monuments, beautiful beaches, museums, and its connection to the painter Pablo Picasso, who was born here. The city combines a rich historical heritage with a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere that attracts visitors from all over the world.
In the morning we decided to visit the castle complex that includes the Alcazaba and Gibralfaro.
The Alcazaba is a magnificent Moorish fortress built in the 11th century during the period of Muslim rule in Andalusia. It is one of the best-preserved Islamic fortresses in Spain. Its defensive walls, towers, courtyards, and gardens show the refined architectural style of the time and offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of the city during the Arab period. Walking through its gates and along its pathways allowed us to admire beautiful arches, decorative elements, and wonderful views over Malaga.
Above the Alcazaba stands the Castle of Gibralfaro, built in the 14th century to strengthen the defense of the fortress below. The castle is connected to the Alcazaba by a long defensive corridor along the hillside. From the top of Gibralfaro we could enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the city, the port, and the Mediterranean Sea, making it one of the most impressive viewpoints in Malaga.
The climb to the top of the Castle of Gibralfaro was quite tiring, especially because the day was bright and warm and the sun accompanied us all the way up. However, the effort was well rewarded. From the top we were able to admire a breathtaking view over the sea and the city of Malaga.
We were also struck by the beauty of the fortress itself, whose architectural style strongly reminded us of the Alhambra—an extraordinary monument that, unfortunately, we were not able to visit during our trip.
The Picasso Museum in Malaga offers an interesting journey through the artistic development of Pablo Picasso. In its rooms it is possible to admire several works that may be less well known to the general public but are nevertheless very significant for understanding the evolution of the artist’s style and creativity. The exhibition allows visitors to discover different phases of Picasso’s artistic path and to appreciate the originality of his experimentation.
The final room of the museum is particularly fascinating, as it brings together works by important artists such as Dalí, De Chirico, and Braque. These painters were influenced in different ways by Picasso’s work, and many of them also knew him personally, sharing artistic experiences and, in some cases, genuine friendships.