Mercado Central de Atarazanas

"Like many of Malaga’s buildings, its market is a haven of history that is as fascinating as it is unknown. The name “Atarazanas” comes from Moorish times, and when translated directly from Arabic it means “a place where boats are repaired”. While it may be hard to believe today, most of the area of ​​Malaga that we walk through today was submerged during the Moorish reign, and Atarazanas was located on the seafront. There are historical records from the 18th century that show people fishing from the walls of the market (which was once a shipbuilding yard). Atarazanas was built during the reign of Mohammed V (1354-1391). The 14th century shipyard was one of the largest and most impressive buildings of its time. Atarazanas was characterised by the seven horseshoe-shaped arches on its façade. Today, only one of the horseshoes remains, an architectural element of recognized importance, which was even declared a monument of historical and artistic influence in 1978. The historical importance of the arch is quite obvious. Those who pay close attention may have noticed the two small shields with inscriptions in Arabic, near the top of the arch, which read: “Only God is Victorious, glory to Him.”"

"Mercado Central de Atarazanas in Málaga is a must-see. I visited on a Sunday and, unfortunately, it was closed. I wish I had experienced the vibrant market firsthand, especially since I love the stunning stained-glass facade. Known for its fresh seafood, colorful produce, and Andalusian delicacies, it's not just a place to shop—it's an experience that offers a real taste of Málaga's rich culture and history."

"The central market is filled with food stands for visitors to stop and grab some freshly cooked fish. My recommendation when selecting a stand is to find the crowds. The best stands will be crowded by locals, so look for crowds and listen for Spanish."