La Plaza del Siglo

A quick stop on your route, Plaza del Siglo, or “Century Square”, is one of the most popular squares in all of Málaga. Yes, the city has a lot of important plazas, but that’s exactly what gives Málaga’s its charm and warmth. Nestled at the intersection of several bustling streets, this little square is always full of life. Today, it buzzes with the energy of nearby restaurants and shops, all seemingly orbiting around the steel sculpture at the centre, Panta Rei, unveiled in 2008. But long before this modern makeover, the square had a very different story. Let’s rewind a few centuries. The Plaza del Siglo came into being in 1868 after the demolition of the Santa Clara convent, originally founded in 1495. That said, the square hasn’t always gone by its current name. For many years, it was known as Manuel Loring Square, in honor of a mayor who was tragically assassinated here. A bit of a dreadful past, especially when you see how lively and cheerful the place has become. Laughter and good vibes fill the air, drawing in visitors who probably have no idea such a dramatic event once took place here. Don’t let that stop you from enjoying the present moment, or indulging in a bit of shopping! If you can, come back at nightfall when the tourist office windows light up in an array of colour against the quiet backdrop of the cathedral bell tower.