Planning to visit Malaga Cathedral? This is your 2026 visitor guide, including ticket prices, opening hours, and essential tips for touring La Manquita.
Málaga Cathedral has one tower instead of two, which earned it the affectionate nickname “La Manquita” – the one-armed lady. When I first saw this Spanish Cathedral rising above the old town, I couldn’t help wondering what happened to the missing tower. The official story is that the money ran out. Some say the funds were diverted to support the American War of Independence, others claim it went toward building the road to Antequera. Either way, over 200 years later, the cathedral still stands there with its single tower, and Málaga locals wouldn’t have it any other way.
This is one of Andalusia‘s great Renaissance cathedrals, built on the ruins of the city’s main mosque after the Catholic conquest in 1487. Construction dragged on for over 200 years, which explains why Málaga Cathedral is a mishmash of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles all competing for attention.
Quick answer: Málaga Cathedral tickets and opening hours
Adult tickets cost €10.00 (includes free audio guide). The cathedral is open Monday-Friday 10am-8pm, Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 2pm-6pm. Last entry is 45 minutes before closing. Málaga residents, children under 13, and people with disabilities enter free. There’s also free access for early morning visits: Monday-Saturday 8:30-9am, Sunday 8:30-9:30am (but no audio guide included).
At a glance
| Adult ticket price | €10.00 (includes audio guide) |
| Opening hours | Mon-Fri: 10:00-20:00<br>Sat: 10:00-18:00<br>Sun: 14:00-18:00 |
| Last entry | 45 minutes before closing |
| Address | Calle Molina Lario, 9, 29015 Málaga |
| Free for | Málaga residents, children under 13, people with disabilities |
| Free access times | Mon-Sat: 8:30-9:00 | Sun: 8:30-9:30 (no audio guide) |
How much does Málaga Cathedral cost?
When I checked in January 2026, the pricing is straightforward with various discounts available depending on who you are.
Cathedral admission prices
| Ticket type | Price | Who qualifies |
|---|---|---|
| General | €10.00 | Adults 18-64 |
| Seniors | €9.00 | Ages 65+ |
| Students | €7.00 | Students ages 18-25 with valid student ID |
| Juniors | €6.00 | Ages 13-17 |
| Groups | €7.00 per person | 15+ people |
| School groups | €4.00 per child | Under 12 in organized groups (not from Málaga diocese) |
| Free | €0.00 | Málaga residents | Children under 13 | People with disabilities |
Important notes:
- All paid tickets include a free audio guide in 10 languages (Spanish, English, Portuguese, French, German, Russian, Italian, Polish, Dutch, Danish)
- There’s also a children’s audio guide available in 7 languages
- Free admission does NOT include the audio guide
- Free admission is for individual tickets only – groups must pay
- You can buy tickets at the door or online
Cathedral + Virtual Reality Experience
Launched in August 2024, there’s a new combined ticket that includes the cathedral visit plus a 360º VR experience:
| Ticket type | Price |
|---|---|
| General | €15.00 |
| Seniors (65+) | €13.00 |
| Students (18-25) | €10.00 |
| Juniors (13-17) | €9.00 |
| Groups (15+) | €10.00 |
| Málaga residents | €5.00 |
I haven’t tried the VR experience myself, so can’t comment on whether the extra €5 is worth it.
Is Málaga Cathedral free to enter?
Not for most visitors – but as with many European cathedrals, there are important exceptions.
Free for these groups (always):
- Residents of Málaga city (must show proof)
- Children under 13 years old
- People with disabilities
Free early morning access (everyone):
- Monday-Saturday: 8:30-9:00am
- Sunday: 8:30-9:30am
During these early morning slots, anyone can enter free regardless of where they’re from. However, free admission doesn’t include the audio guide, and you’ll miss out on the guided explanations that really bring the cathedral to life.
There’s also a “restricted access” option for worship rather than tourism – enter to the left of the main entrance and you can view a small section of the main chapel for free. This is primarily for locals and Catholic worshippers, and you’ll miss most of the cathedral this way.
Five great Malaga experiences to book
- 🏛️ Combine the Cathedral, Alcazaba and Roman Theatre on a city highlights tour.
- 🧖 Indulge in the Arabian Baths experience at Hammam al-Andalus.
- 🛴 Cover the city’s top attractions on a Segway tour.
- ⛰️ Take a guided excursion to the Caminito del Rey.
- 🍳 Learn how to make paella and sangria in a special culinary workshop.
What time does Málaga Cathedral open?
Opening hours vary by day of the week:
Monday to Friday:
- 10:00-20:00
- Last entry: 19:15
Saturday:
- 10:00-18:00
- Last entry: 17:15
Sunday:
- 14:00-18:00
- Last entry: 17:15
Free early morning access:
- Monday-Saturday: 8:30-9:00
- Sunday: 8:30-9:30
Special closures: Opening times may vary for religious events. Recent special hours included:
- Christmas Eve (24 Dec): 10:30-15:00
- Christmas Day (25 Dec): Closed
- New Year’s Eve (31 Dec): 10:30-15:00
- New Year’s Day (1 Jan): Closed
- Epiphany (6 Jan): 14:00-18:00
Check the official website before travelling to verify current opening times, particularly around major Catholic holidays like Easter (Semana Santa).
I last checked and verified these Málaga Cathedral ticket prices and opening times in January 2026.
Do I need to book Málaga Cathedral tickets in advance?
Not essential, but recommended during peak tourist season (June-September). You can buy tickets at the door, but online booking at shop.articketing.com saves queuing time and guarantees entry at your preferred time.
The cathedral is in the heart of Málaga’s historic centre and attracts substantial crowds, especially when cruise ships dock. If you’re visiting on a weekend or during Spanish school holidays, booking ahead makes sense.
Built on a mosque, never quite finished
Like most cathedrals in Andalusian cities, Málaga Cathedral was built on the site of the main mosque. After the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella conquered Málaga in 1487, one of their first acts was ordering the mosque’s demolition to make way for a Christian church.
Construction began in 1528 to designs by Diego de Siloé, originally intended as a Gothic cathedral. But as work dragged on for over 200 years, different architects added their own touches, resulting in a blend of Gothic structure with Renaissance and Baroque decoration. The cathedral was consecrated in 1588, though the first masses were held in an unfinished building.
By the time construction was declared complete in 1782, there was only one tower. The original plans called for two symmetrical bell towers flanking the main façade, but the second tower was never built. The most reliable explanation is that funds were diverted to support the American War of Independence (Spain sided with the American rebels against Britain). Another theory suggests the money went toward improving the road from Málaga to Antequera.
Whatever the reason, over 240 years later there are no plans to finish the second tower. La Manquita has become part of Málaga’s identity – completing it now would feel wrong.
Inside the cathedral
The interior is surprisingly spacious, with three naves supported by numerous columns. Look carefully at those columns and you’ll spot the extensions added to increase the interior height – a clever architectural solution from the Renaissance period.
The choir stalls, designed by Pedro de Mena in the 17th century, are a masterpiece of Spanish Baroque woodcarving. The intricate carving covers every surface of the 40 stalls, with saints, angels, and biblical scenes carved in minute detail. This is genuinely world-class craftsmanship.
The main chapel features a baroque altarpiece, though it’s less elaborate than what you’d find in Seville or Granada. The cathedral suffered significant damage during the Spanish Civil War when it was used as a warehouse, and some of the original decoration was lost.
Multiple chapels line the side aisles, each dedicated to different saints. Notable ones include:
- Chapel of Santa Bárbara with its Gothic altar
- Chapel of San Francisco
- Chapel of the Incarnation
- Chapel of the Virgin of the Rosary
The painting collection includes works by Alonso Cano and Enrique Simonet’s “The Beheading of Saint Paul” – a dramatic piece that draws crowds.
Outside, attached to the cathedral’s north wall, is the Iglesia del Sagrario (Church of the Tabernacle). This small rectangular church has a fascinating history linked to the original mosque and features beautiful interior decoration that many visitors miss entirely. Entry is included with your cathedral ticket.
The cathedral gardens are well-maintained with neat hedgerows, flowers, sculptures, and ornate water fountains. They’re particularly photogenic, offering good angles of the cathedral’s exterior.
What’s included with your Málaga Cathedral ticket?
Your €10 admission includes:
- Entry to the main cathedral and all chapels
- Access to the Iglesia del Sagrario
- The cathedral gardens and exterior courtyards
- Free audio guide in 10 languages (7 languages for children’s version)
- Small museum at the end of the tour (accessed via wooden stairs in the gift shop – most people miss this)
Not currently included:
- Rooftop access (closed for restoration until approximately 2027)
Mass times
If you want to attend Mass (which is free), the schedule is:
Monday to Friday:
- 9:00am, 11:00am
Saturday and eve of public holidays:
- 9:00am, 11:00am, 6:30pm
Sunday and public holidays:
- 9:00am, 10:00am, 11:30am, 1:00pm, 6:30pm
Confession:
- Available 30 minutes before each Mass
Special Masses:
- Christmas Eve: 11:30pm
- Easter Saturday: 11:00pm
During Mass times, tourist visits are not permitted. Plan your visit outside these times unless you’re attending for worship.
Things to do near Málaga Cathedral
The cathedral sits in the historic centre with major attractions all within walking distance:
Alcazaba (350 metres, 5 minutes uphill) – Málaga’s stunning Moorish palace-fortress built in the 11th century, carved into the hillside with beautiful gardens and panoramic views. €3.50 entry (free on Sundays after 2pm). Combined ticket with Gibralfaro Castle available for €10. Allow 60-90 minutes. One of Málaga’s must-see attractions.
Roman Theatre (400 metres, 5 minutes) – Ancient Roman theatre from the 1st century BC, discovered in 1951 when it was being used as a cinema foundation. Free entry. Takes 15-20 minutes to see. Located directly at the base of the Alcazaba.
Picasso Museum (250 metres, 3 minutes) – Housed in the 16th-century Buenavista Palace, featuring over 200 works by Málaga’s most famous son. €9 entry . Allow 90 minutes. Book online to skip queues. If you’re not into Picasso, the Centre Pompidou Málaga is an excellent alternative.
Plaza de la Constitución (300 metres, 4 minutes) – The city’s main square, perfect for people-watching from one of the surrounding cafés. Free. This is the heart of Málaga’s social life.
Calle Larios (200 metres, 3 minutes) – Málaga’s elegant main shopping street, pedestrianized and lined with boutiques and cafés. Free to stroll. At Christmas, the street is famous for its spectacular light displays. Great for photos with the cathedral tower visible in the distance.
Practical tips for visiting Málaga Cathedral
- Location: Calle Molina Lario, 9, in the heart of the historic centre
- Getting there: The cathedral is central and walkable from most hotels in the old town. From the port, it’s a 10-minute walk. Buses 1, 36, 37, and Circular 1 stop at Plaza de la Merced (5 minutes away).
- Parking: Don’t drive into the old town – streets are narrow and parking nearly impossible. Use Plaza María Guerrero public car park (5-minute walk to cathedral).
- Ticket purchase: Buy online at shop.articketing.com/monuments/catedral-de-malaga or at the entrance. Online booking is cheaper and skips queues.
- Time needed: Allow 60-90 minutes for a thorough visit with the audio guide.
- Audio guide: Definitely use it – included free and brings the building to life. Available in 10 languages.
- The hidden museum: Don’t miss the tiny museum accessed via wooden stairs in the gift shop at the end of your tour. Most visitors walk past it entirely.
- Photography: Generally permitted for personal use.
- Dress code: Shoulders and knees should be covered. It’s a working cathedral.
- Best views: For exterior photos, head to the Alcazaba or Gibralfaro Castle for elevated views. From Muelle Uno (the port), the cathedral tower sits perfectly behind the pergola sculpture.
- Early morning free access: Worth considering if you’re on a tight budget, though you miss the audio guide.
- Combine with nearby attractions: The Alcazaba, Roman Theatre, and Picasso Museum are all within 5 minutes’ walk.
The American War of Independence connection
The story about cathedral funds being diverted to support American independence isn’t just local folklore – there’s historical basis for it. Spain secretly provided financial and military support to the American rebels from 1776, becoming openly involved after France joined the war in 1778. Spanish funding and supplies were crucial to the American victory, and the cost was enormous.
Meanwhile, Málaga’s cathedral sat there with one tower, waiting for money that never came. Whether the specific funds earmarked for the second tower went directly to America or were simply absorbed into Spain’s general war costs, the result was the same: La Manquita remains one-armed to this day.
FAQs about Málaga Cathedral
How much does it cost to visit Málaga Cathedral? €10 for adults, with discounts for seniors (€9), students (€7), juniors 13-17 (€6). Children under 13, Málaga residents, and people with disabilities enter free.
When was Málaga Cathedral built? Construction began in 1528 and continued until 1782, spanning over 250 years. The cathedral was consecrated in 1588 while still unfinished.
Why is it called La Manquita? “The one-armed lady” – because it only has one tower instead of the planned two. Funds ran out before the second tower could be built.
Is the audio guide included? Yes, all paid tickets include a free audio guide in 10 languages. Free admission doesn’t include the audio guide.
Can I climb the cathedral roof? Not currently – the rooftops are closed for restoration work expected to take approximately three years (from 2024).
Do I need to book in advance? Not essential, but recommended during peak season to avoid queues and guarantee entry at your preferred time.
Is there free entry? Yes, for Málaga residents (with proof), children under 13, and people with disabilities. There’s also free early morning access for everyone: Monday-Saturday 8:30-9am, Sunday 8:30-9:30am.
What time does Málaga Cathedral open on Sunday? 2pm-6pm (last entry 5:15pm). Note the later opening time compared to weekdays.
How long does a visit take? 60-90 minutes with the audio guide for a thorough visit.
Can I attend Mass? Yes, Mass is open to everyone and free. Check the schedule above – tourist visits aren’t permitted during Mass times.
Where was the mosque? Directly underneath. Like most Andalusian cathedrals, it was built on the site of the main mosque after the Christian conquest in 1487.
More Andalusia travel
Other Andalusia travel articles on Planet Whitley include:
- How the Caminito del Rey tour from Malaga works.
- What to expect at the Royal Chapel of Granada.
- Five things to do in Cordoba once you’ve seen the Mezquita.
- A first-time visitor’s guide to Seville Cathedral.
- A guide to Almeria Cathedral’s ticket prices and opening hours.
