Avenida de la Aurora, Malaga

We cross to the other bank via the Misericordia Bridge, where Avenida Aurora begins. Here, behind a small green space, is one of the exits of Centro Alameda, the terminus of the ADIF commuter rail line. This line takes you to the airport in 11 minutes, and then on to Fuengirola.

A monument to Blas Infante Pérez de Vargas (1885-1936) stands in a small square near the entrance to the station. He was known as a lawyer, journalist, and politician, a supporter of Andalusian autonomy and the author of the lyrics to its national anthem. In February 1936, he became the head of the Andalusian parliament, but the Civil War began in June, and in August, Infante was executed by the Falangists. The monument was created by sculptor Jesús Martínez Labrador.

Nearby is the Church of San Pedro (Iglesia de San Pedro), whose history began almost four centuries ago. In 1626, Pedro Díaz de Palacios, renowned as the builder of Málaga Cathedral, was commissioned to build a church in the Perchel neighborhood. The project was grandiose, providing for three naves and Mudéjar-style decoration, but was realized in a significantly reduced form, with a single nave and simplified decoration. At the beginning of the 17th century, a chapel with rich Baroque decoration was added.

During the Civil War, the church was looted and abandoned. In 1942-1943, it was restored according to designs by Enrique Aténis, adding two new chapels. The church currently belongs to the Brotherhood of the Dying Christ (La Cofradía del Cristo de la Expiración), so access for outsiders is severely restricted. Some sources indicate that the church is open to tourists from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, but I found it closed even then.

After walking another block, I found myself at a large roundabout that marks the southern end of the Plaza Poligono Alameda.

Next, I headed toward the Picasso Gardens, noticing an interesting modern building. Its architect clearly drew inspiration from Barcelona's Casa Mila, designed by the brilliant Antoni Gaudí and nicknamed the "Stone Cave" or "Quarry".