Parroquia Divina Pastora Y Santa Teresa (Parish of the Divina Pastora and Santa Teresa), Malaga
The Parish of the Divina Pastora and Santa Teresa in Malaga is a historic gem with a rich architectural and cultural heritage. Originally built in the 17th century as a Capuchin Franciscan convent, it played a significant role in the community. During the Republic, the church narrowly escaped demolition thanks to the opposition of the local Capuchin district, showcasing its importance to the people. It was officially designated as a parish in 1951.
The facade is a striking example of historical design, featuring a rectangular structure divided into two sections by an impost. The lower section has three semicircular arches, with the central one leading to the atrium. Above, a lintel window and a niche with a sculpture of the Immaculate Conception add elegance. A triangular espadana with a balcony, lightning rod, and bell openings crowns the structure, blending function with aesthetics.
The church’s interior layout features three longitudinal naves, with the central one being higher and wider, allowing natural light to fill the space. This nave is covered by a barrel vault divided into sections by transverse arches. The side naves are smaller and house significant spaces such as the low choir for nuns and the sacristy.
The main altarpiece, crafted by Andres Cabello Requena in 1960, is a baroque masterpiece housing the Divina Pastora, patron saint of the Capuchin neighborhood. Its polychrome design with gold accents features a central semicircular arch leading to a hexagonal chapel, adorned with gilded details, boxed pilasters, and an ornate cornice, epitomizing Baroque opulence.
The Parish boasts a remarkable collection of 17th and 18th-century paintings, including depictions of Divina Pastora and San José, highlighting the deep artistic and religious traditions of the region. The side altars feature niches supported by Gothic-inspired slender columns, housing sculptures of angelic figures, adding to the visual and spiritual harmony of the space.
The Parish of the Divina Pastora and Santa Teresa stands as a testament to Malaga’s historical resilience and artistic legacy, making it a must-visit for those interested in Baroque architecture and religious art.
The facade is a striking example of historical design, featuring a rectangular structure divided into two sections by an impost. The lower section has three semicircular arches, with the central one leading to the atrium. Above, a lintel window and a niche with a sculpture of the Immaculate Conception add elegance. A triangular espadana with a balcony, lightning rod, and bell openings crowns the structure, blending function with aesthetics.
The church’s interior layout features three longitudinal naves, with the central one being higher and wider, allowing natural light to fill the space. This nave is covered by a barrel vault divided into sections by transverse arches. The side naves are smaller and house significant spaces such as the low choir for nuns and the sacristy.
The main altarpiece, crafted by Andres Cabello Requena in 1960, is a baroque masterpiece housing the Divina Pastora, patron saint of the Capuchin neighborhood. Its polychrome design with gold accents features a central semicircular arch leading to a hexagonal chapel, adorned with gilded details, boxed pilasters, and an ornate cornice, epitomizing Baroque opulence.
The Parish boasts a remarkable collection of 17th and 18th-century paintings, including depictions of Divina Pastora and San José, highlighting the deep artistic and religious traditions of the region. The side altars feature niches supported by Gothic-inspired slender columns, housing sculptures of angelic figures, adding to the visual and spiritual harmony of the space.
The Parish of the Divina Pastora and Santa Teresa stands as a testament to Malaga’s historical resilience and artistic legacy, making it a must-visit for those interested in Baroque architecture and religious art.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Malaga. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Download The GPSmyCity App
Parroquia Divina Pastora Y Santa Teresa (Parish of the Divina Pastora and Santa Teresa) on Map
Sight Name: Parroquia Divina Pastora Y Santa Teresa (Parish of the Divina Pastora and Santa Teresa)
Sight Location: Malaga, Spain (See walking tours in Malaga)
Sight Type: Religious
Sight Location: Malaga, Spain (See walking tours in Malaga)
Sight Type: Religious
Walking Tours in Malaga, Spain
Create Your Own Walk in Malaga
Creating your own self-guided walk in Malaga is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Pablo Picasso's Malaga
According to a well-known story, Picasso’s first word was “piz,” a child’s attempt at “lápiz,” meaning “pencil.”
Málaga at the end of the 19th century was a busy Mediterranean port. When Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born here in 1881, the city was neither a bohemian art capital nor a provincial backwater, but a working, outward-looking place where commerce, craftsmanship, and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Málaga at the end of the 19th century was a busy Mediterranean port. When Pablo Ruiz Picasso was born here in 1881, the city was neither a bohemian art capital nor a provincial backwater, but a working, outward-looking place where commerce, craftsmanship, and... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Malaga Introduction Walking Tour
In 1325, the famed Muslim traveller Ibn Battuta reflected on his visit to Málaga, writing: "It is one of the largest and most beautiful towns of Andalusia, combining the conveniences of both sea and land.''
Málaga is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with a history spanning nearly three millennia. It was founded around the 8th century BC by Phoenician... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Málaga is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with a history spanning nearly three millennia. It was founded around the 8th century BC by Phoenician... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles
Architectural Jewels of Malaga
The blooming port city of Málaga has a wealth of architecture with no shortage of ancient and otherwise impressive buildings fit to vow any visitor. Having witnessed the fall and rise of many civilizations, Malaga's uniqueness is marked by the variety of architectural styles, upon which the times past had a great deal of impact. From its stunning Moorish fortress – the best-preserved of... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
5 Best Shopping Streets in Malaga, Spain
As well as one of the best cultural destinations in southern Spain, Malaga turns out to be something of a shopping mecca. Along with the ubiquitous shopping malls on the outskirts, the capital of Costa del Sol has managed to preserve its network of specialist shops, difficult to find in most big...