Why Málaga Cathedral is known as the One-Armed Lady of Andalusia

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Construction of the Cathedral of Málaga spanned over two centuries, yet the building remains famously incomplete. Its unfinished south tower earned it the nickname La Manquita, or the One-Armed Lady. A local legend suggests the missing funds were diverted to support the American Revolution, though historical records hint at more mundane origins.

The Cathedral of Málaga, a Roman Catholic landmark in southern Spain, represents a significant achievement in Renaissance architecture. Construction began in 1528 under the direction of architect Diego de Siloe and continued until 1782. The structure features a rectangular plan with a nave and two aisles of equal height, while its Baroque façade stands in contrast to the Renaissance interior. The building houses a collection of artistic treasures, including 16th-century tombs, a neoclassic altarpiece designed by Juan de Villanueva, and various sculptures depicting the city's patron saints, Saint Cyriacus and Saint Paula.

The cathedral's most striking feature is its unfinished south tower, which stands in stark contrast to the 84-metre-high north tower. This lack of completion has inspired persistent local lore. A plaque at the base of the tower claims that the parish funds intended for its construction were redirected to aid the British colonies in their fight for independence from Great Britain. This narrative links the cathedral's physical state to the American Revolution, suggesting that the resources were sent to support the uprising.

However, historical evidence challenges this romanticized account. Examinations of parish registers suggest that the budget may have been redirected toward local infrastructure, specifically the renovation of the 'Way of Antequera' roadway. Furthermore, historical records indicate that during the late 18th century, funds were often diverted to essential public works, such as the San Telmo aqueduct and road improvements in Vélez-Málaga and Antequera. While the cathedral remains a testament to centuries of architectural ambition, its 'one-armed' appearance serves as a reminder of the competing priorities—whether revolutionary or municipal—that defined its long history.

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