History of Calle Larios: the elegant heart of Málaga

Strolling through Malaga is to travel through centuries of history. And if there is one street that symbolises the transformation of the city, it is Calle Marqués de Larios. Today we know it for its shops, its elegance and its prominence in festivals such as the Feria or Christmas, but its history is much richer than it seems at first glance.

When and why was it built?

Calle Larios was inaugurated in 1891 as part of an ambitious urban modernisation project. Malaga was then an expanding city thanks to the textile industry and commerce, and needed a main artery connecting the historic centre with the port.

The financing was provided by the influential Larios family, the Malaga businessmen who gave their name to the street. The idea was to build a shopping avenue in the style of the great European capitals of the 19th century, such as Paris and Madrid.

A design inspired by Europe

The project was the work of the architect Eduardo Strachan, who designed a straight, wide street flanked by neoclassical buildings. The symmetry of the façades, with all the balconies having the same vanishing point, and the width of the street broke with the narrow streets typical of the old centre. The corners were designed with rounded corners to ensure good air circulation.

This planning is still today one of the keys to its beauty: walking along Calle Larios is to have the sensation of being on a boulevard with light, air and harmony.

From a shopping street to a symbol of Malaga

Since its beginnings, Calle Larios has been the centre of commerce, social life and major events in the city. It was pedestrianised in 2002, which reinforced its character as a promenade and meeting point. Today it is impossible to imagine a visit to Malaga without walking along it.

It has also witnessed historic moments, from religious processions to political demonstrations and sporting celebrations.

Calle Larios today: art, culture and tradition

Christmas: its lights are famous throughout Spain, with shows that attract thousands of visitors every year.

Malaga Fair: decorated with lanterns and full of life during August.

Film Festival: becomes an open-air red carpet.

Exhibitions: often hosts ephemeral art installations.

And, of course, it is still the ideal place to go shopping, have an ice cream or simply enjoy the atmosphere of Malaga.

An essential part of your new life in Malaga

Living in Malaga means having Calle Larios as part of your everyday life. A place that combines history, modernity and local life at every step.

From Welcome Malaga, we invite you to discover not only where to live, but also the living history hidden in every corner of this city. Because getting to know your new home begins with understanding its most emblematic streets.