Iglesia de los Santos Mártires Ciriaco y Paula (Church of Saints Ciriaco and Paula)
Right in the heart of Malaga’s historic centre, this remarkable church stands as one of the city’s most fascinating religious landmarks.
Built by the Catholic Monarchs after the Christian conquest of Malaga in 1487, it’s one of just four churches constructed within the old city walls.
The church honours Saints Ciriaco and Paula, who happen to be Malaga’s patron saints, making this spot rather special for locals especially.
Architectural evolution
What makes this Malaga attraction particularly intriguing is its architectural evolution over the centuries.
Originally designed in Gothic-Mudéjar style, the building has been transformed through various renovations, now showcasing predominantly 18th-century Rococo elements.
The exterior still boasts an authentic Mudéjar tower, offering a glimpse into its medieval origins.
The building underwent major restoration work between 2020 and 2021, ensuring future generations can appreciate this slice of Malaga’s heritage.
Semana Santa in Malaga
The Iglesia de los Santos Mártires Ciriaco y Paula isn’t just another tourist church gathering dust – it’s very much alive with local traditions.
Several of Malaga’s most important Easter brotherhoods call this place home, including the rather colourfully named Archicofradía de la Pasión and Cofradía de la Columna (known locally as the Gitanos).
During Semana Santa, the church becomes a focal point for religious celebrations that draw crowds from across Spain.
Daryl is the co-founder of Malaga Guru. He is a copywriter, editor and translator who moved to Malaga a decade ago having first fallen in love with the city on his Erasmus year. After working for many years at local expat newspaper SUR in English, Daryl gained expert knowledge in life from the perspective of foreign residents and decided to co-found this site in 2016.