Visitors wanting more just than shots by the seaside in their Malaga holiday albums will find the city has plenty in the way of worthy photo material. The splendid old Renaissance cathedral is not to be missed, nor is the first-century Roman theatre. The highlight, however, has to be the ancient Roman-Moorish fortress of La Alcazaba, a building that was once home to famous Catholic monarchs.

La Alcazaba
Among the oldest structures in the city, this building was constructed during the ninth and 10th centuries and occupies a proud position on a hill surrounded by picturesque grounds. What is now a decaying fort once served as the home of Ferdinand and Isabella after their capture of Malaga. Visitors can take a walk to the top of the structure, from where some spectacular views over the city are available.

Castillo de Gibralfaro
Even older than La Alcazaba, these Moorish ruins date back as far as the eighth century. The castle was initially constructed by Abd ar-Rahman I but later underwent reconstructions in the 14th and the 15th centuries. It’s a fascinating enough structure to gaze upon from the outside, while inside is a modest museum offering information on its history. Since it’s actually higher up the hill than La Alcazaba, the views over Malaga from its top are even better.

Malaga Cathedral
Built in the 16th century, this magnificent Renaissance cathedral is one of the finest ecclesiastical structures in the country. It stands on a site that was formerly home to a mosque built by the Moors and took some two centuries to be completed. Though predominantly Renaissance in style, the cathedral’s architectural style also features Baroque and Gothic influences.

Plaza de la Merced
The house in which Picasso was born is located in Plaza de la Merced. A significant attraction, the square is far more of a location for experiencing local life than anything else. On summer days you can sit an enjoy an ice cream and watch the locals go about their business or you can stop by on a warm evening when the young populate the square and enjoy a drink or two before heading off to evening entertainment venues.

Roman Theatre
Discovered in 1951, the remains of this Roman theatre are located at the base of the hill on which La Alcazaba sits. With a width of 60 metres and a height of 19 metres, it’s a fairly extensive structure and one that historians say was built in the first century AD, during the reign of Emperor Augustus.