España, Part 2: Málaga

April 29, 2018

One of the oldest cities in the world, Málaga rose to be the capital of the Spanish Moorish region. It was one of the last Moorish bastions to fall. When Granada fell in 1492, Moorish rule ended, and Spain’s Golden Age began.

One of, if not the, most famous sons of Málaga was Pablo Picasso. He was born in that building.

Just a couple of ordinary street scenes:

Spaniards (also the Portuguese) are inordinately proud of their ham: Jamón ibérico. The black-footed pigs forage under oak trees — their diet is acorns. Until a few years ago, it was not available in the U.S.

The façade of the Catedral de Málaga, a very impressive albeit never-finished monument. It took so long to build (1528-1782) that it combines Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. And it was never finished — the money finally ran out.

This Teatro Romano dates from the 1st century AD — but wasn’t unearthed until 1951. Work continues on its restoration.

The Rock of Gibraltar. We passed it around 10 p.m. that night on our way through the strait and into the great, gray Atlantic, en route to my last Continental port of call: Porto, Portugal. #