Rising over the old town, the Cathedral of the Incarnation is Málaga's grand Renaissance landmark and one of the most important religious buildings in Andalusia. Locals rarely call it by its formal name, though. To them it is simply La Manquita, and behind that affectionate nickname lies a building full of unfinished business, hidden corners and centuries-old stories. Here is what makes it special, and how to see it for yourself.
Why is it called "La Manquita"?
Look up at the main facade and you will notice something odd: there are two bell towers, but only one is finished. The north tower rises 84 metres, making it the second-tallest cathedral tower in Andalusia. The south tower simply stops, unfinished, giving the building its nickname La Manquita, roughly "the little one-armed lady."
Local tradition says the money set aside to finish the tower was instead donated to help the American colonies in their War of Independence against Britain in the late 18th century. It is a great story and you will hear it from every guide, but historians are cautious: other records point to funds being redirected to repair roads in the province, and to the chronic financial shortfalls that dogged the project for centuries. Whatever the true reason, the missing tower has become the cathedral's most beloved feature.
A cathedral that took over 250 years to build
Complete Malaga old town walking tour with admission tickets includedCheck availability →Construction began in 1528 on the site of a former mosque and dragged on, with long interruptions, until the works were officially declared finished in 1782. That marathon timeline is why the building is such a mix of styles: a Renaissance core wrapped in Gothic, Baroque and Neoclassical touches. Rather than a flaw, this layering is a walk through more than two centuries of Andalusian architecture in a single building.
One of Spain's great Baroque organs
Inside, the twin organs facing each other across the choir are a highlight. Built between 1779 and 1783, they hold thousands of pipes, including a striking array of horizontal trumpet pipes that project outward like a fanfare frozen in wood and metal. Together they are considered among the finest historic organs in Spain, and they are still played for concerts and liturgy, filling the vaulted nave with sound.
The quiet garden next door
Most visitors rush past it, but beside the cathedral, near the museum, there is a small patio garden shaded by orange trees with a few benches. It is one of the calmest spots in the historic centre and a perfect place to pause before or after your visit, away from the crowds on Calle Molina Lario.
The rooftop you can actually walk on
One of the cathedral's best experiences is climbing to its rooftop terraces ("las cubiertas"). A guided route of around 200 steps takes you up and out onto the roof, with sweeping views over the port, the Alcazaba fortress, the bullring and the tiled domes of the old town. Access is by timed guided visit only and is weather-dependent, so it is worth booking ahead and checking availability, as the climb occasionally closes for restoration work.
Opening hours (2026)
Hours change by season, but the general pattern for cultural visits is:
- Summer (approx. 1 June–25 October): Monday–Friday 10:30–20:00
- Spring (approx. 30 March–30 May): Monday–Friday 10:30–19:30
- Winter (approx. 26 October–29 March): Monday–Friday 10:30–18:30
- Saturdays year-round: 10:30–18:00
- Sundays and religious holidays: 14:00–18:00
- Last admission is 45 minutes before closing
Tickets and prices
According to the official cathedral website, general admission to the cathedral and its museum is €10, with the audio guide (available in around ten languages) included. Reduced rates apply, for example €9 for seniors over 65 and lower prices for students, teenagers and children, while registered Málaga residents enter free. The rooftop climb is a separately ticketed guided visit. Because different ticket combinations and seasonal offers exist and prices can change, confirm the current fare and book your slot on the official site before you go.
Where it is and how to get there
The cathedral stands at Calle Molina Lario 9, in the heart of Málaga's historic centre. It is an easy walk from most of the old town: a few minutes from Calle Larios, Plaza de la Constitución, the Roman Theatre and the Alcazaba, and about a 15-minute stroll from the María Zambrano train and bus station. Note that the Málaga Metro does not reach the old town, so the most practical way to arrive is on foot; several city bus lines also stop nearby. If you are driving, use one of the central car parks, as the surrounding streets are pedestrianised.