Church of the Martyrs of Málaga: what to see

The Church of Saints Cyriacus and Paula, the Martyrs is one of the four founding parishes in Málaga, built following the Christian conquest of 1487, and is dedicated to the two patron saints of the city. It’s right in the heart of the pedestrianised area, it’s free entry and many visitors walk past without realising what’s inside.

Here is the opening times, how to get there and what to see, with one thing you should know beforehand: from Monday to Saturday it doesn't close at midday, but On Sundays, it’s only open in the morning.

Opening hours and prices

Admission is free. It is a place of active worship, so a donation towards its upkeep would be appreciated, and it is best to remain quiet, particularly if you happen to be there during a mass.

• Monday to Saturday: from 9.30 am to 8.30 pm, open all day. It does not close at midday, which is unusual amongst the churches in the city centre.
• Sundays: only in the morning, approximately from 11.00 to 14.00.

As in any parish, the timetable is in line with the liturgical calendar and it may vary on certain dates, so if your visit depends on it, it’s worth checking. And there are two specific times when the temple and its surroundings get very busy: the Easter, because it is home to religious brotherhoods, and the 18 June, the feast day of the patron saints.

The best time to watch it at your leisure It’s first thing in the morning, when the centre is still quiet, or mid-afternoon on a weekday.

What to see inside

The façade is unassuming and gives no hint of what lies within: the interior is one of remarkable decorative richness, and that is what surprises anyone who happens to wander in.

• Baroque plasterwork the 18th-century vaults that cover the ceiling of the central nave and are the most striking feature of the complex.
• The Mudejar tower, one of the few remnants of the original 15th-century building to have survived the renovations.
• The altarpieces and side chapels, featuring a collection of imagery associated with the religious brotherhoods of Holy Week in Málaga.
• The legacy of the two eras: The church was built in the Gothic-Mudejar style and later redecorated in the Baroque style, so the original structure and the later cladding coexist.

Who were Ciriaco and Paula?

These are the patrons of Málaga: two young Christians who, according to tradition, were martyred in the city during the Roman persecutions of the 4th century. Their feast day is celebrated on 18 June and gives its name to both the church and the square in which it stands.

The temple is one of the four founding parishes which were established in Málaga after 1487, alongside the Sagrario, Santiago and San Juan. This status explains their significance in the city’s religious life, which far exceeds what their size would suggest.

How to get there

It’s in the Plaza de los Mártires Ciriaco y Paula, 1, in the Central District, just a stone’s throw from the Carretería Street and of the Constitution Square. The whole area is pedestrianised.

• On foot: from the Larios Street or the Plaza de la Constitución, just a few minutes’ walk through the streets of the old town.
• From María Zambrano station: Bus 1 or C1 to the Alameda Principal, then about a 10-minute walk.
• By car: The city centre is pedestrianised and has restricted traffic, so the best option is to use a public car park and walk from there.

What to see nearby – all within walking distance

The great thing about this church is its location: everything listed below is just less than a fifteen-minute walk.

• The Alcazaba and the Roman Theatre, one on top of the other on the slopes of Gibralfaro.
• The Cathedral, «La Manquita», with its unfinished tower.
• The Picasso Museum, at the Buenavista Palace, in the San Agustín Street.
• The Atarazanas Market, with its Nasrid door and stained-glass window.
• Muelle Uno and La Farola, for an evening stroll. You can find more spots at The best sunsets in Málaga.

To organise all this into a route, you have what to see in Malaga in one day if you’re short on time and What to see in Málaga in three days if you’re staying a bit longer. And if you’re interested in the temples in the city centre, almost all of them are free: we’ve covered this in The 8 must-see monuments in Málaga.

Excursions from Malaga

We are a local tour operator based in Málaga with over 50 years’ experience organising trips around Andalusia, with single collection point at 10 Avenida de Andalucía, well connected by public transport.

If you fancy getting out of the capital, the most popular day trips are Caminito del Rey, Granada along with the Alhambra, Seville y Cordoba. And for white people, Ronda and Setenil de las Bodegas. All include transport, a tour guide and, where applicable, admission tickets.

Frequently asked questions

What are the opening hours of the Church of the Martyrs in Málaga?

From Monday to Saturday, it is open all day, from approximately 9.30 am to 8.30 pm, without closing at midday. On Sundays, it is only open in the morning, from around 11.00 until 14.00. As it is an active place of worship, opening hours are subject to the liturgical calendar and may vary on specific dates.

How much does it cost to go into the Church of the Martyrs?

Admission is free. Donations towards the upkeep of the church are welcome, but there is no ticket office and no admission charge. As it is an active parish church, it is best to avoid Mass times if you wish to explore the interior at your leisure.

Who are the Holy Martyrs Cyriacus and Paula?

They are the patron saints of Málaga: two young Christians who were martyred in the city during the Roman persecutions, according to tradition in the 4th century. Their feast day is celebrated on 18 June, and they give their name to both the church and the square where it stands.

Where is the Church of the Martyrs in Málaga?

At Plaza de los Mártires Ciriaco y Paula, 1, in the Centro district, just a short walk from Calle Carretería and Plaza de la Constitución. The whole area is pedestrianised and can be reached on foot in a few minutes from Calle Larios or from the Cathedral.

What is there to see inside the Church of the Martyrs?

The highlights include the 18th-century Baroque plasterwork adorning the vaults, the Mudejar tower that remains from the original 15th-century building, and the altarpieces and side chapels featuring sculptures from the Holy Week brotherhoods of Málaga. The façade is simple and contrasts with the opulence of the interior.

Is it one of the oldest churches in Málaga?

Yes. It is one of the four founding parishes established following the Christian conquest of 1487, alongside El Sagrario, Santiago and San Juan. The present-day building retains features from that original period, such as the tower, although its interior appearance is largely the result of subsequent Baroque alterations.