If you think that Malaga, bathed in sunshine and travelled by millions of travellers, no longer holds any secrets, or that its history is in plain sight, you are quite wrong.

Listen carefully because the city whispers amazing tales, unique traditions and legends in your ear. Forget the obvious; today we unveil to you 6 stories that will change the way you see Malaga forever.

The statue that was thrown into the sea and returned to its pedestal

At the beginning of the emblematic Calle Larios stands the Monumento al Marqués de Larios, a tribute to the visionary who gave Malaga's modernity its impetus. What few know is the eventful history of this statue.

After the proclamation of the Second Republic in 1931, the figure of the Marquis was pulled down and thrown into the waters of the port. Fortunately, years later it was recovered and reinstalled in its original location, becoming a symbol of the resilience and the comings and goings of the city's history.

Frank Sinatra and Malaga: his unexpected stay at the Palacio de la Aduana

The imposing Palacio de la Aduana, today home to the Museum of Malaga, was the headquarters of the Civil Government during the dictatorship. Within its walls is an anecdote worthy of Hollywood.

In 1964, the legendary singer and actor Frank Sinatra was arrested for public disorderly conduct during the filming in the city of the movie Colonel Von Ryan (1965), in which she shared the screen with a very young Raffaella Carrà.

During the press conference, actress Ondina Canibano threw a glass of wine at Frank Sinatra because he did not pay her the desired attention, and he shook her.

When the Guardia Civil arrived, Sinatra barricaded himself in his room, insulted the officers and refused to attend to them.

Despite his team's promise that he would come to testify, the singer did not show up at the police station. He claimed that the whole thing was a «trap» by the government to promote tourism.

In response to the contempt, the civil governor of Malaga ordered his arrest for public scandal.

«La Voz» spent a few hours in the dungeons of this very building, a surprising episode that links the history of Malaga with one of the greatest stars of the 20th century.

The bridge born of a shipwreck and the gratitude of an empire

The Puente de los Alemanes, which crosses the Guadalmedina River, although it may seem to many to be just a structure, is the symbol of an incredible story of friendship.

In 1900, the German frigate «Gneisenau» wrecked off the Malaga coast. Without hesitation, the inhabitants of the city threw themselves into the sea to rescue the sailors. Years later, in 1907, a flood devastated the bridges in Malaga. On hearing of this, the German people gratefully organised collections to finance the construction of this bridge. A plaque commemorates this: «Germany donated this bridge to Malaga in gratitude for the heroic help...».

The American Twin of the Cenachero

El Cenachero, that iconic fish seller who balances his baskets, is an icon of the Malaga soul. His statue is one of the must-see photos. What almost nobody knows is that he has a twin brother on the other side of the Atlantic. There is an exact replica of the same sculpture in the city of Mobile, Alabama (USA).

It was a gift from Malaga City Council as a symbol of the friendship that unites the two port cities, bringing a little piece of the Malaga spirit to the Americas.

The ‘Sistine Chapel’ hidden in the heart of Malaga

In the Plazuela de la Virgen de las Penas is an artistic jewel that many overlook: the Oratory of Santa María Reina y Madre.

Popularly known as “the Sistine Chapel of Malaga”.”, This temple, built in 2008, houses an impressive pictorial programme. Its ceiling, a masterpiece by the Malaga artist Raúl Berzosa, is an explosion of colour and symbolism representing the royalty of the Virgin Mary. An unexpected treasure that invites contemplation in the heart of the city centre.

When the sea kissed the door of the Atarazanas Market

Today you stroll through the bustling Atarazanas Market, more than 500 metres from the shore. But now, stop and close your eyes. Imagine you are in the 14th century. The impressive horseshoe arch that serves as the main entrance did not open onto a street, but directly onto the sea.

This building was the Nasrid shipyard (atarazana), the place where ships were built and repaired. The water reached right up to its doors. A radical transformation that tells us how Malaga has gained ground from the sea.

These are just some of the stories that await you in Malaga, a city that always has something new to tell. To discover all the secrets that every corner hides, narrated in a pleasant and rigorous way while you walk around, the Aumentur guide to Malaga is the perfect tool. It allows you to explore at your own pace, delving into the legends and anecdotes that make your visit a truly unique experience.

Download here the guide of what to see in 1 day in Malaga.