Plaza de la Merced is one of the largest squares in Málaga’s historic centre and also one of the most popular places to relax. All around Plaza de la Merced, you’ll find plenty of restaurants and cosy cafés, ideal for a quick stop whilst strolling through the city.

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There are several attractions to enjoy in the square.

Monumento a Torrijos

The square is dominated by the monument to General Torrijos and his 48 men, who were shot by the French in 1831 whilst defending Spanish independence. This obelisk is considered one of Málaga’s most distinctive monuments, built during the 19th century.

At the base of the monument is a small crypt containing the remains of General Torrijos.

Pablo Picasso’s birthplace and museum

On the northern edge of the square stands a magnificent yellow-and-white house, where the famous painter and sculptor Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born on 25 October 1881. You can visit Picasso’s birthplace daily for a fee 3 eur, where you can learn all about the life of this famous Spanish artist.

Official website of the Museo Casa Natal Picasso:museocasanatalpicasso.malaga.eu

Just about 100 metres from Plaza de la Merced, on Calle San Agustín, you can also visit the Museo Picasso, which houses more than 300 works by the artist. Whilst it cannot compete with the more famous museums in Barcelona or Paris in terms of the size of its collection, it does offer the advantage of smaller crowds and a more personal experience. Official website of the museum:museopicassomalaga.org.

Jacaranda trees

Plaza de la Merced is popular for its beautifully flowering Jacaranda trees. The delicate purple-pink to pink flowers blanket the square every year in early May and continue to bloom until the end of June. At this time of year, the square is one of the most visited places in Málaga.

Accommodation

Thanks to its location right in the city centre, just a short walk from the Alcazaba fortress and close to bus stops, Plaza de la Merced and its surroundings are a very popular place to stay. Right on the square, you can stay at the highly ratedApartamentos Alcazaba, which, at prices of around 91 eur for four people, represents an almost unbeatable deal. The downside, however, is that you must book for a week.

In the nearby streets, you could stay, for example, in the affordable yet pleasantApartamentos Marques De La Merced, which have a terrace and prices starting from 49 eur per night for two people, or in the lovely little Picnic Dreams Boutique Hostel.

How to get there

The square is right in the city centre and is within a 15-minute walk of most attractions. Furthermore, on its eastern edge is the Plaza de la Merced bus stop, served by routes 1, 36, 37 and C2. You can find the timetables on the transport company’s website.

What to see around

Discover all the places to see in Malaga.