La Plaza del Obispo

The Plaza del Obispo – literally “Bishop’s Square” – is one of the architectural gems of Málaga’s historic centre. Its exact origins are still debated: some say it dates back to Roman times, while others believe it was first laid out during the Muslim period. What’s certain is that the square took on its current look in the 18th century, with its warm colours, elegant lines, and picture-perfect harmony. Framed by two major landmarks – the Cathedral of the Incarnation and the Episcopal Palace – the square feels like an open-air stage set. The Cathedral’s grand facade towers above, while the Palace is considered one of the finest examples of Baroque architecture in the city. The scene is so cinematic that it even served as a filming location for The Bridge of San Luis Rey, starring Robert De Niro and Kathy Bates. In the middle of the square, a graceful grey marble fountain built in 1785 – the Fuente de la Plaza del Obispo – adds a gentle soundtrack with the trickle of water, blending with the hum of café terraces nearby. It’s a favourite place to stop, take in the symmetry of the facades, admire the palace’s carved balconies, or snap a photo you’ll want to keep. But there’s more to this square than meets the eye. In the 18th century, big changes reshaped the space, including the construction of the grand facade of the new Episcopal Palace – a project that gave the square both its name and its role as a symbol of church authority. And during the work, something remarkable turned up: fragments of ancient Roman and Byzantine walls. A quiet reminder that under almost every step in Málaga’s old town, there could be traces of its thousand-year-old history.