Mercado de Atarazanas (Shipyards Market), Malaga (must see)

When is a shipyard not a shipyard? When there are no ships in the yard, or there is no yard and there is no water and it's really a market. But during the rule of Mohammed V (1354-1391} the market was actually a shipyard. With seven stone horseshoe arches, it was among the most impressive buildings around.

Only one arch is still there. It serves as the entrance to the Shipyards Market. There are a couple of small shields at the top of the arch with the inscription in Arabic, "Only God is the victor, glory be to Him."

When the Catholics took over the city in 1487 the Atarazanas was used as a convent. The sea was much closer then and the waves and the ships were perhaps too distracting. The convent was given up in favor of a military storage facility. Then it was a hospital and then a medical school. In 1868 the government said, "tear it down. Make a market."

Along came architect Joaquin Rucoba. He rebuilt the Atarazanas, keeping only one arch as the main entrance in the center of the south facade. The new market was done in an Arabic style with arched windows and panels and iron for stone. It also has inside a huge stained glass window showing the main sights of Malaga.

The market is bustling every day except Sunday from 8am to 2pm. Meats, fish, fresh fruit and vegetables are available in separate stalls. The market is not only a place for local products, it is also famous for its tapas.