- Tourism: Since the 90s, tourism in Málaga has increased significantly, partly thanks to the growth of Málaga airport and the improvement of the transport infrastructure in the region. This has led to a greater international awareness and appeal of Málaga as a holiday destination.
- Urban development: In recent decades, Málaga has carried out a large number of urban renewal projects, including the redevelopment of the port (Muelle Uno), the construction of the Palmeral de las Sorpresas promenade and the creation of new green spaces, such as the Jardines de Pedro Luis Alonso.
- Cultural investments: Málaga has established itself as an important cultural centre in recent years, with the opening of several renowned museums such as the Museo Picasso Málaga, the Centro de Arte Contemporáneo (CAC), the Carmen Thyssen Museum and the recent opening of the Centre Pompidou Málaga. These cultural investments have given the city a new identity as an art and culture destination.
- Improving public space: Over the past 30 years, many streets and squares in Málaga have been renovated and redesigned to increase the liveability and appeal of the city. This has led to a greater appreciation of Málaga’s historical and cultural richness and an improved quality of life for its inhabitants.
- Technological and economic development: In addition to the growth of tourism, Málaga has also developed as a center for technology and innovation. The Parque Tecnológico de Andalucía (PTA) has become an important technology park that houses a wide range of businesses and industries, and has contributed to the economic diversification of the city.
Thanks to these changes and developments over the past 30 years, Málaga has established itself as a dynamic and attractive city with a rich cultural scene, a growing economy and a high quality of life. This transformation has made Málaga an important destination, both for tourists and for people who want to settle in the city.
The history of Málaga, located in the south of Spain on the Costa del Sol, goes far back in time and is closely linked to the rich heritage of Andalusia and Mediterranean culture. Here is an overview of the most important historical events in the history of Málaga:
Antiquity: Málaga was originally founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC and was given the name ‘Malaka’. The city served as an important trading post for the Phoenician traders due to its strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea.
Roman period: In the 3rd century BC, Málaga was conquered by the Romans and became a prosperous Roman settlement called ‘Malaca’. The Romans built aqueducts, theaters and other monuments that reflect the wealth and importance of the city at that time.
Visigothic and Moorish rule: After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, Málaga was conquered by the Visigoths in the 5th century. Later, in 711 AD, the Muslim Moors conquered the city during their expansion into Spain. Málaga became part of the Caliphate of Córdoba and flourished as an important trading center and cultural city under Moorish rule.
Reconquista and Catholic rule: In the late Middle Ages, during the Reconquista (the reconquest of Spain by Christian kingdoms), the Catholic kingdoms of Málaga conquered in 1487 under the command of Ferdinand II of Aragon and Isabella I of Castile. This led to the end of Moorish rule and Islamic influence in the region.
Modern history: In the following centuries, Málaga became an important port city and experienced highs and lows in its economic and cultural development. It witnessed several wars, such as the Spanish War of Independence and the Spanish Civil War, which had a profound impact on the city and the region.
Contemporary Times: Today, Málaga is a vibrant and modern city, known for its tourist attractions, beautiful beaches, historical monuments, and the birthplace of the famous artist Pablo Picasso. The city has developed into a major tourist destination in Spain and attracts millions of visitors every year.
Málaga’s past has left behind a rich cultural heritage, which can still be seen in the city’s architecture, museums and traditions. It is a fascinating destination for anyone interested in the history and culture of Spain.