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Málaga

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Málaga is a major municipality in southern Spain.

(Málaga) Strait of Gibraltar, Mediterranean Sea (cropped)
(Málaga) Strait of Gibraltar, Mediterranean Sea (cropped)

It serves as the capital of the province of Málaga within the autonomous community of Andalusia. The city is located on the Costa del Sol, or the Coast of the Sun. It sits on the northern side of the Alboran Sea.

Port of Málaga, Northeast view 20090412 1
Port of Málaga, Northeast view 20090412 1

This sea is the westernmost part of the Mediterranean Sea. Geographically, Málaga is positioned east of the Strait of Gibraltar. It is also located north of Africa. The urban core sits between the Gibralfaro Hill and the Guadalmedina river.

Braun Malaga UBHD
Braun Malaga UBHD

The history of Málaga spans approximately 2,800 years. This makes it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe. Most scholars believe the Phoenicians founded the city around 770 BC. They named the settlement Malaka.

Ánfora 131949
Ánfora 131949

The city served as a waypoint for trade routes. It controlled access to the Guadalmedina. From the 6th century BC, the city fell under the hegemony of Ancient Carthage. In 218 BC, Roman rule began. The city prospered economically through the production of garum, a fermented fish sauce.

Roman Malaga
Roman Malaga

During the Roman era, the city was known as Malaca. It functioned as a confederated city under a special law called the Lex Flavia Malacitana.

Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, several groups ruled the area. The Visigoths held control before the Byzantine Empire took over. The Byzantines expanded the docks to support fishing and trading. In 615, the Visigoth King Sisebut retook the city. In the 8th century, Islamic forces conquered the region.

Planta de Málaga árabe
Planta de Málaga árabe

The city was known as Málaqah in Arab sources. By the end of this period, the city was fully Islamised. The urban layout was influenced by Muhammad I, who helped shape the medina, or central urban area. Under the Caliphate of Córdoba, Málaga became an important center. The 11th century saw the rise of the Hammudids, who established the taifa of Málaga. A taifa is a small independent kingdom.

Málaga's role as a major port grew during the Nasrid Kingdom of Granada. The harbor traded silk, wine, leather, and famous regional lustreware.

Berlín Málaga XIV
Berlín Málaga XIV

It also exported dry nuts like raisins and almonds. Some figs from the Rayya region were reportedly exported as far as China. In 1487, the Crown of Castile seized the city during the Granada War. This was a violent three-month siege. After the city surrendered, the Muslim population was largely taken as captives.

Carretera Málaga 1937
Carretera Málaga 1937

The city was then repopulated by Christian settlers. The population faced challenges like typhus fever outbreaks in later centuries. In the 19th century, the city experienced early industrialisation. However, the Phylloxera grapevine pest caused a population decrease between 1887 and 1897.

Today, Málaga is a significant economic force in Spain. It ranks fourth in the country for economic activity. The economy relies heavily on tourism, construction, and technology services.

Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía, view from a plane, Andalucia, Spain
Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía, view from a plane, Andalucia, Spain

The city has become a major tech hub. Many companies are concentrated in the Málaga TechPark, also known as the Technology Park of Andalusia. The city also hosts the headquarters of Unicaja, the largest bank in the region. As of 2024, the population is 592,346. This makes it the second-largest city in Andalusia and the sixth-largest in Spain.

Transportation links are vital to the city's modern success.

Interior de la nueva terminal T3 del aeropuerto de Málaga.
Interior de la nueva terminal T3 del aeropuerto de Málaga.

The Málaga–Costa del Sol Airport serves the region. The Port of Málaga handles maritime traffic.

Port of Málaga, Northeast view 20090412 1
Port of Málaga, Northeast view 20090412 1

In 2007, the city joined the high-speed railway network.

Ave Málaga2
Ave Málaga2

This allows for fast travel across the country. The climate also supports the local economy. Málaga has a Mediterranean climate. This means it has mild winters and hot summers.

Espectáculo para turistas. (2393116008)
Espectáculo para turistas. (2393116008)

The city receives about 300 days of sunshine every year. This makes it a very attractive destination for visitors.

The geography around the city includes the Montes de Málaga mountains. This range is part of the Penibaetic System. The highest point in the municipality is Pico Reina.

Distritos Málaga
Distritos Málaga

The Totalán Creek forms the eastern boundary of the municipality. The Gibralfaro hill provides a high vantage point. From here, the Alcazaba fortress overlooks the city. These natural features, combined with the sea, define the landscape of Málaga.

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🖼️ Images & Media (28)
File:Ánfora 131949.jpg
Ánfora 131949.jpg
File:Planta de Málaga árabe.jpeg
Planta de Málaga árabe.jpeg
File:Berlín Málaga XIV.JPG
Berlín Málaga XIV.JPG
File:Braun Malaga UBHD.jpg
Braun Malaga UBHD.jpg
File:William_Barnes_Wollen_-_Street_fighting_in_Malaga,_1869.jpg
William_Barnes_Wollen_-_Street_fighting_in...
File:Carretera Málaga 1937.jpg
Carretera Málaga 1937.jpg
File:(Málaga) Strait of Gibraltar, Mediterranean Sea (cropped).jpg
(Málaga) Strait of Gibraltar,...
File:Roman Malaga.jpg
Roman Malaga.jpg
File:Distritos Málaga.svg
Distritos Málaga.svg
File:Malaga densidad poblacion.svg
Malaga densidad poblacion.svg
File:Málaga Ayuntamiento 06.jpg
Málaga Ayuntamiento 06.jpg
File:Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga.jpg
Palacio de Ferias y Congresos de Málaga.jpg

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