Iglesia San Pedro (Church of San Pedro), Malaga

The Church of San Pedro, located in the historic El Perchel neighborhood of Malaga, is a significant Catholic edifice blending classical, Mudejar, and Baroque styles. Its origins trace back to 1626, when Pedro Díaz de Palacios, then the master builder of Malaga Cathedral, was commissioned to design a church to complement the old parish church of San Juan. The project originally planned for three naves, a main chapel, a sacristy, and a tower. However, only one nave was completed, and the design was simplified, with a bell tower replacing the intended belfry.

In the early 18th century, the monumental Chapel of the Sagrario was added, showcasing a rich Baroque style attributed to master Unzurrunzaga. This chapel is notable for its exuberant plasterwork and paintings, influenced by the Malaga painter Diego de la Cerda.

By the early 20th century, the church had fallen into disrepair, exacerbated by the events of 1931 and 1936. Restoration began in the 1940s under architect Enrique Atencia, who preserved the church's original structure while adding two chapels to house images of the Brotherhood of the Christ of the Expiration. This brotherhood's presence has since become a focal point of devotion in Malaga.

The Church of San Pedro stands out for its sobriety and monumental design, with a striking reddish stone facade contrasting against whitewashed walls. The interior features a single nave covered with pair and knuckle reinforcement, supported by tie braces resting on cane pairs embedded in the side walls. Large semicircular arches, mostly blind, adorn the perimeter, supported by Doric pilasters. Flared stained-glass windows add a touch of light and color to the upper areas.

The main chapel features a flat head with a blind semicircular arch aligning with the nave's walls. A 17th-century limestone baptismal font with a cylindrical foot, octagonal base, and carved circular basin sits on the left of the presbytery. At the rear, a wooden choir, raised on four girders-two supported by cane-includes a balustered parapet.

Today, the Church of San Pedro is not only a place of worship but also a cultural and historical symbol of Malaga, cherished for its architectural simplicity and profound spiritual significance.