To spot the Monument to the Marquis of Guadiaro, look for a stone pedestal with an impressive bronze bust on top, nestled among lush greenery right near some prickly cacti and palm trees.
Legend has it, if you stand still enough, you can almost hear the sounds of Malaga’s bustling trade from over a century ago. This monument celebrates Carlos Larios, the very first Marquis of Guadiaro, who must have been Malaga’s ultimate multitasker-patrician, philanthropist, and the man behind two of the city’s treasures: Marqués de Larios Street and this beautiful park. Sculpted by Mateu Fernández de Soto and revealed to the world in 1906, the monument stands on a rugged stone base-look close and you’ll spot the staircase, which actually served as a small fountain back in its glory days! Higher up, the pedestal is decorated with symbols showing off Malaga’s proud ties to commerce and industry, crowned by the Marquis himself, looking quietly pleased... or perhaps just waiting for someone to finally bring him a sunhat. The area was cleverly designed by architect Fernando Guerrero Strachan, so every turn and flourish draws your attention. Take a moment to imagine the grand opening, noblemen in top hats, excitement in the air, and the Marquis watching over his legacy, as he still does today.
