Toma & Coe brings you the latest cultural and travel news from Málaga. The city and its province are rich in both tangible and intangible history, which weave a magical web across its streets, mountains and coastline, bringing tourists from across the globe.

Excavations uncover Muslim necropolis

Whenever excavations are undertaken in Málaga the chances are some elements of the city’s history will come to light.

Whilst preparing the ground for the construction of a new five-star hotel in Málaga, by the Plaza de la Merced, part of a Muslim necropolis has come to light. Bone remains were discovered. As a result, work has stopped until an archaeological report is prepared. In the event that no remains of structures such as a mosque are found, precedent is that the work can be resumed.

The remains have yet to be dated. However, it is known they are Muslim due to the orientation in which they were found: in a foetal position with their faces facing southeast, that is towards Mecca. Malaga was a Muslim stronghold between the 8th and 15th centuries.

More than 100 cruises in October and November

Málaga’s popularity continues to grow with more than 100 cruises arriving at the city’s cruise port during October and November.

Between May and July, the Port of Málaga received over 70,000 cruise passengers. Now the high season begins with more than 100 cruise ships destined for Málaga in the coming two months. That translates to around 200,000 passengers.

In November, the Wonder of the Seas, the largest cruise ship in the world, will return to the city.

In addition, during the following two months, luxury and premium cruise traffic will continue to gain momentum in Malaga. Toma & Coe provide the exclusive S.A.L.T. Experience in Málaga for Silversea’s small luxury cruise ships.

Neolithic discovery in Alhaurín de la Torre

The City Council of Alhaurín de la Torre has completed an archaeological investigation resulting in the recovery of numerous pieces of what was a silo from the final Neolithic era, about 5,000 years ago.

This could be the oldest open-air site of the final Neolithic in the entire Málaga area. The investigation revealed a substructure in the form of a hole, about 60 centimeters deep and approximately one meter wide. There were more than a thousand ceramic fragments alongside some sheets of flint, polished pieces, a couple of hand mills, bone remains and seeds.

There is also the possibility there is a betyl or upright sacred stone, which was venerated by the inhabitants of the time. It is believed that those inhabitants, who led a semi-nomadic life, used these structures to leave belongings or remains that they could not transport with them when they moved.

Málaga’s bid for Expo 2027 supported by Spanish PM

The Enquiry Mission of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) visited Málaga to assess the city’s candidature to host the 2027 World Expo. To this end, the delegation made several institutional visits and held work meetings with the relevant authorities. They also visited Madrid for meetings with His Majesty the King and the President.

Over the course of the week, the Enquiry Mission experienced first-hand the candidature of Málaga to host Expo 2027. Pedro Sanchez said, “There is no better city than Málaga to organise the 2027 Expo; it’s a guarantee of success.”

For a quarterly round up of Málaga news, travel blogs and our latest tours, subscribe to the Toma & Coe newsletter below.