Iglesia de Santiago

The Iglesia de Santiago is one of the oldest churches in Málaga, standing on Calle Granada in the Centro Histórico, in Spain's Andalusia region. It was founded in the late 15th century, soon after the Christian conquest of the city in 1487, on the site of a former mosque, and it was dedicated to Saint James, the patron saint of Spain. The building shows the Mudéjar style in its brick tower, which was originally a minaret and is decorated with glazed tiles, and the interior combines Gothic and Baroque elements. The church holds historical importance for the city, as Pablo Picasso was baptised here in 1881, and the baptismal font used for the ceremony is still on display, with a plaque marking the connection. Inside, visitors see a nave with a Baroque altarpiece, the Mudéjar coffered ceiling in part of the church, and chapels with images venerated by the city's brotherhoods during Holy Week. A visit usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. The best photograph angle is of the Mudéjar tower from the street, which stands out against the narrow lanes of the old town. The church is quietest in mid-morning, and opening hours depend on services, typically around 10:00 to 12:30 and 18:00 to 19:30. Entry is free and donations are welcome. Visitors should dress modestly and respect worshippers. It sits three minutes from Plaza de la Merced, near the Museo Casa Natal Picasso, so it fits naturally into a Picasso-themed walk of the old town, which also includes the nearby Museo Picasso Málaga.