The Plaza de la Merced is one of the largest squares in Málaga's historic centre and also the most popular for relaxing. All around the perimeter of Plaza de la Merced you will find many restaurants and pleasant cafés ideal for a short stop during your walks around the city.

There are several attractions to enjoy in the plaza.

Monumento a Torrijos

Dominating the square is the monument to General Torrijos and his 48 men who were shot by the French in 1831 while defending Spanish independence. This obelisk is considered the most characteristic monument of Málaga built during the 19th century.

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

Plaza de la Merced

Birthplace and museum of Pablo Picasso

On the northern edge of the square stands the beautiful yellow and white house where the famous painter and sculptor Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born on October 25, 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 C. San Agustín Street, you can also visit the Museo Picasso, with more than 300 works by the artist. Compared to the more famous museums in Barcelona or Paris, it cannot compete with the number of collections, but it pleases with smaller crowds and a more personal approach. The museum's official website: museopicassomalaga.org.

Pablo Picasso's Birthplace

Trees of Jacaranda

The Plaza de la Merced is popular for its magnificent flowering trees of the Jacaranda genus. The soft purple to pink flowers flood the plaza every year in early May and bloom until the end of June. At this time, the square is one of the most visited places in Málaga.

Accommodation

With its location right in the centre of the city, just a short walk from the Alcazaba Fortress and close to bus stops, the Plaza de la Merced and its surroundings are a very popular place to stay. Right on the square you can stay in the highly rated Apartamentos Alcazaba, which at prices around 81 eur for 4 people is almost unbeatable. The downside, however, is the need to stay for a week.

In the alleyways close by, stay for example in the cheap but nice Apartamentos Marques De La Merced with terrace and prices from 44 eur per night for 2 or in the lovely little Picnic Dreams Boutique Hostel.

How to get there

The square is right in the centre of town and is within a 15 minute walk of most attractions. In addition, the Plaza de la Merced bus stop is located on its eastern edge, where lines 1, 36, 37 and C2 stop. Timetables can be found on the transport company's website.