Sacred Heart Church Málaga (Sagrado Corazón Málaga)
Plaza de San Ignacio, Malaga, Andalucia, 29008
Tucked away down a tiny side street in the cramped alleyways of Málaga’s historic center, the Sacred Heart Church Málaga (Iglesia del Sagrado Corazón Málaga) welcomes visitors and locals alike. The neo-Gothic-style basilica has a captivating façade in biscuit-colored stone, topped with two spires and covered in tracery. It was built in 1920 by an order of Jesuit monks.
The basics
Guided walking tours of Málaga often include a stop to admire the exterior of the church, but visitors are welcome to step inside when it’s open. The interior includes three aisles lined with tiny chapels and topped with soaring vaulted roofs. On either side of the massive neo-Gothic main altar are paintings of the martyrs St. Ignacio of Loyola and St. Francis Borgia, and the narrow stained-glass windows feature scenes from the lives of the saints.
Things to know before you go
Despite its grandeur, the Sacred Heart Church Málaga should not be confused with the Málaga Cathedral, one of the city’s key architectural attractions.
The church was designed by famed local architect Fernando Guerrero Strachan, who also worked on Málaga City Hall (La Casona del Parque), a neo-baroque building.
Visitors often comment on the heavenly smell produced by the two orange trees at the front of the church.
How to get there
The Sacred Heart Church Málaga is located at St. Ignacio of Loyola Square (Plaza de San Ignacio de Loyola) in the city’s historic district, next to the Carmen Thyssen Museum (Museo Carmen Thyssen Málaga). Several bus routes stop within walking distance of the church. The closest train station, Málaga-Centro-Alameda, is about 15 minutes away on foot.
When to get there
The Sacred Heart Church Málaga is open every day of the week, with mass taking place several times a day. Hours may differ during religious holidays. On weekends, you may get to witness a bit of local culture, as this church is a popular spot for weddings.
Carmen Thyssen Museum (Museo Carmen Thyssen)
Next to the church, you’ll find the Carmen Thyssen Museum, which houses the private collection of Carmen Cervera, the fifth wife of Baron Hans Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza and a wealthy art collector in her own right. The permanent collection centers on 19th-century Andalusian and Spanish art and includes works by Francisco de Zurbarán, Darío de Regoyos, and Julio Romero de Torres.
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