subject: The English Cemetery in Malaga [print this page] The English Cemetery in Malaga The English Cemetery in Malaga
The cemetery was finished in 1831 and was the creation of the British Consul, William Mark, who at the time was unhappy that there was no place allocated to bury the Protestant community. His persistence lead to the old walled cemetery being set up, and what stands today has not changed much since those days.
The British Government owned the land and cemetery, but never provided for its upkeep. It is now the responsibility of a foundation set up by the Malaga City council, who recognise The English Cemetery as a historical and cultural attraction.
The cemetery covers over 8000 sq. m. and is home to more than 1000 graves, many of which are covered in seashell designs. Within the grounds there is also a botanical garden with some beautiful and unusual species of trees and plants.
Attached to the cemetery is the St George's Anglican Church, which was originally built as the Lodge Temple'; the building was designed in a classic style, with wonderful Doric columns and it originally housed just a small chapel.
In 1856 they added a Gothic-style gatehouse, which was for many years the home of the cemetery's gardener, but in 2005 it was converted into a visitors centre. There is also a church library, originally the mortuary. In 1991 the cemetery gardener, Antonio Alcaide, was awarded an OBE for a lifetime dedicated to the cemetery.
The English Cemetery has not just lain to rest British citizens; amongst other nationalities buried here there are British, Spanish, American, Danes and Swedes. There are also some residents of note including the Spanish poet Jorge Guilln, Sir George Langworthy, a philanthropist who was dedicated to helping the poor in Torremolinos and four members of the Australian Air Force whose bodies were washed up on the beach during the Second World War.
The cemetery is a beautiful place of peace and tranquillity, so much so that the writer Hans Christian Andersen visited Malaga and the cemetery in 1862, and wrote, "I wandered in a little paradise, this charming garden. Here were myrtle hedges, covered with flowers sufficient for a thousand bridal wreaths; high geranium bushes growing round the tombstones, which had inscriptions in Danish - Norse." And the Irish writer Ian Gibson described the English Cemetery as the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.
The English Cemetery is located on the Avenida de Pries, 1, close to the bullring and the Hotel Miramar. From Malaga's Alameda Principal (main avenue) you can catch the number 11 bus, which will take you there. The cemetery is open for visits from Tuesday to Saturday, 9.30am to 2.30pm and on Sunday from 9.00am to 1.00pm.
Going on a city break to Malaga? See our holiday apartments in Malaga is a great economic alternative to hotels.
