Malaga Cathedral Begins Historic Works to Complete Its Main Facade

If you have strolled through Malaga’s historic center recently, you couldn’t have missed the imposing silhouette of the Malaga Cathedral. Known affectionately as “La Manquita” (The One-Armed Lady) due to its famously unfinished south tower, the building is currently surrounded by a network of scaffolding. While construction barriers might seem like an eyesore to a passing tourist or a newly arrived expat, they actually signal a monumental chapter in the city’s history.

A Historic Milestone for “La Manquita”

After centuries of standing incomplete, works have officially begun to finish the cathedral’s main facade. Specifically, the project focuses on constructing the pediment (frontón) that will crown the stunning view from Plaza del Obispo. For locals, seeing cranes and workers tackling this specific section is a thrilling development. The cathedral’s original architectural plans, drafted hundreds of years ago, are finally being respected and realized.

Roof Restoration Progress

This aesthetic completion goes hand-in-hand with a massive structural necessity: the roof. For years, the cathedral suffered from severe water leaks during heavy rains, threatening its priceless interior art, vaulted ceilings, and structural integrity.

According to recent updates from La Opinión de Málaga, the massive roof rehabilitation project has now successfully passed the halfway point. The installation of the new protective structure and tiles is advancing steadily and remains perfectly on schedule. This dual-action approach—securing the roof while finishing the facade—ensures the building is both protected from the elements and visually complete from the front.

What This Means for Visitors

If you are planning a visit, do not let the Malaga Cathedral scaffolding deter you.

• Open for Exploration: The interior remains fully accessible. You can still marvel at the intricate choir stalls, the towering columns, and the beautiful chapels.
• A Unique Perspective: Witnessing the “la manquita construccion tejado” (the roof construction of La Manquita) gives your visit a unique context. You are not just looking at a static piece of history; you are seeing a living monument actively evolving.
• Plaza del Obispo: The square in front of the cathedral remains one of the best spots to grab a coffee, sit back, and watch the meticulous restoration work unfold.

It is a rare privilege to watch a city care for its heritage in real-time. As the scaffolding eventually comes down in the coming years, we will be left with a cathedral that is safer, closer to its original vision, and ready to stand proud for centuries to come. Until then, we get to be active witnesses to its ongoing story.