Málaga

Ánfora 131949

La malagueña by Julio Romero de Torres

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Planta de Málaga árabe

Berlín Málaga XIV

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Braun Malaga UBHD

Málaga is a city in southern Spain, the capital of the Province of Málaga in the autonomous community of Andalusia. It is the second-most populous city in Andalusia and the sixth-largest in Spain. Located on the northern side of the Mediterranean Sea, it lies at the southern base of the Axarquía hills and is surrounded by the Montes de Málaga to the north. The Guadalmedina River bisects the city, which enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate, making it a key tourist destination in Spain.

History

Málaga's history spans about 2,800 years, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. It was founded by the Phoenicians as Malaka around 770 BC, later becoming part of the Roman Empire as Malaca. During the Roman period, Málaga flourished as a commercial port, trading in wine, olive oil, and garum. The city's importance continued under the Visigoths and later during the Islamic period when it was known as Mālaqah and became a major cultural and commercial hub in Al-Andalus. Málaga was reconquered by the Catholic Monarchs, Ferdinand and Isabella, in 1487, integrating it into the Crown of Castile.

Geography

Málaga is located in the western part of the Mediterranean Sea, in the south of the Iberian Peninsula. It enjoys a subtropical-Mediterranean climate, with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, making its beaches, ports, and historical sites popular year-round attractions. The city is a crucial part of the Costa del Sol, a major tourist area that stretches along the coastal region of the Province of Málaga.

Economy

The economy of Málaga is heavily influenced by tourism, technology, and construction. The Technology Park of Andalusia (PTA), located in Málaga, is a significant hub for innovation and development in the region, hosting numerous national and international companies in the fields of telecommunications, software, and biotechnology. The city's port also plays a vital role in commerce, being one of the largest ports in the Mediterranean for cruise ships and goods.

Culture

Málaga is renowned for its rich cultural heritage. The city is the birthplace of the famous artist Pablo Picasso, and it houses the Picasso Museum, which showcases a vast collection of his works. Other notable museums include the Carmen Thyssen Museum and the Centre Pompidou Málaga. The city is also famous for its historic architecture, including the Alcazaba of Málaga, a Moorish fortress, and the Málaga Cathedral, known for its unfinished second tower.

Transport

Málaga is well-connected by various modes of transport. The Málaga-Costa del Sol Airport is one of the busiest in Spain, offering numerous international and domestic flights. The city also has a modern public transport system, including buses, a metro, and a suburban train connecting it with other towns along the Costa del Sol. The Port of Málaga is a key maritime gateway, and the city's road network facilitates easy access to the rest of Spain and Europe.

Education

The city is home to the University of Málaga, a public institution that offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs. It is a center of excellence in research and education, contributing significantly to the region's development.

Conclusion

Málaga is a vibrant city that combines a rich historical heritage with modern amenities and a dynamic economy. Its pleasant climate, beautiful landscapes, and cultural offerings make it a favorite destination for tourists worldwide and an important center for education, technology, and commerce in southern Spain.