Originally founded by the Phoenicians in 770 BC, Malaga is considered one of the first cities of the Western world, even though it is undeniable that the Muslims were the most important influence in the city, as they stayed in Malaga during almost 800 years. The Alcazaba, a fortress-palace built in the early 11th century, stands today where its first Phoenician settlement was built.
Beside the entrance of the Alcazaba are the ruins of a Roman theatre dating to the 1st century BC, which are undergoing restoration. As many other cultures, some of the Roman era materials were reused in the Moorish construction of the Alcazaba.

Malaga obtained the benefits of being declared a confederated city of Rome.
Under the rule of the Moors, the city enjoyed an era of great progress. However, in 1487 it was re-conquered by the Catholic Monarchs, following which it fell into some relentless decline.
By the end of the 18th century, beginning of the 19th, a high-class bourgeoisie had been formed, comprised mainly of two families: the Larios and the Heredia, thanks to whom Malaga became the second most important industrial centre in the country.
Converted into a world capital of tourism, thanks to the development of the Costa del Sol, today Malaga continues to grow.