Welcome to a new Espacar article! Today we talk about the museum village of Malaga, Genalguacil. Hidden among winding mountain roads lies a tiny village of around 400 inhabitants… and more than 200 works of art. If you are on holiday in Malaga, explore it with a car hire at Malaga Airport.
History of Genalguacil
This picturesque village lies in the heart of the Genal Valley, in the Serranía de Ronda. Its narrow white streets tell the story of its Moorish past. Its original name, Genna-Ahuacir, means "Gardens of the Vizier". After the Christian conquest, the village passed to the Duke of Arcos, while keeping its Mudejar character.
Why is it called the museum village of Malaga?
Since 1994, Genalguacil has embraced contemporary art as the driving force of its development. Every two years, the Art Meetings (Encuentros de Arte) bring together Spanish and international artists who create works for the streets. More than 200 artists have left their mark so far.
The Fernando Centeno Museum of Contemporary Art, opened in 2004, preserves many of these works and hosts touring exhibitions. It is also home to the Genalguacil Pueblo Museo Foundation.
What to see in Genalguacil
There are so many works that it is hard to choose, but these are some of our favourites:
- Arco del Viento
- Balones embarcados
- Los Pinchos echando una escansá
- Spin Panther
- Obra Telerreal
- Hasta el moño de subir cuestas
- El Inmigrante
- Las Persianas de la calle Real
Plaza de la Constitución and the church
The heart of the village is Plaza de la Constitución, with the 16th-century Church of San Pedro Mártir de Verona, rebuilt in the 18th century in Baroque style with Mudejar influences. On the first Saturday of the month, the square hosts a market of crafts and homemade products.
Viewpoints in Genalguacil
Besides the museum terrace, the village has several viewpoints over the Genal Valley: Mirador de la Huerta, Mirador de los Poyetes, the one in Plaza de la Constitución and Mirador del Lentisco, with a spectacular panorama.
How to get to Genalguacil
| From | Route |
|---|---|
| Ronda | About 40 km: road towards Algeciras, past Algatocín, then cross the Genal river |
| Estepona | About 40 km via Peñas Blancas and Jubrique |
| Malaga | About 150 km, roughly 2 to 2.5 hours by car |
There is also a bus line from Ronda, but a car gives you much more freedom. With our car hire in Estepona, with no deposit and no excess, you can explore the Genal Valley at your own pace. Nearby you can also visit the Enchanted Forest of Parauta.
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