Though used today as a public area for people to walk through or relax in, Plaza de la Merced was once home to a bustling marketplace during the 15th century and was often referred to as Plaza del Mercado (Market Square). The plaza gets its name, however, from an order of Mercedarian friars who built a church on the plaza during the early 1500s.
In the center of the plaza is a tall white obelisque. Erected during the 19th century, Monumento a Torrijos honors General José María Torrijos and 48 of his companions, who were executed after battling French invaders. And in one of the corners of the plaza is a bronze statue of Picasso sitting on a marble bench.
*You can spot Casa Natal de Picasso (Picasso’s Birthplace) museum at number 15 of the plaza. *The plaza is wheelchair-accessible. *There are no public restrooms in the plaza.
From the Málaga Airport - Costa del Sol it is approximately an 18-minute drive northeast to the plaza. You can also take bus line 1 or 37 to the Victoria (Plaza de la Merced) stop. Though if you are already located in Málaga’s town center, it is generally an easy 10-minute walk from Plaza de la Marina.
The plaza is open to the public year round. Plan your visit for the last Sunday of the month to experience the area’s main craft market where you can find local wares and delicacies like Serrano ham and tortilla (a traditional Spanish omelette with onion and potatoes).
