Malaga

Malaga, a seaport in the south of Spain, is situated on the Mediterranean, 65 miles NE. of Gibraltar. Sheltered on the north and east by mountains, and with a wonderfully equable and uniform climate (range of thermometer 56° to 82° F.), of which dryness and constant sunshine are the characteristics, this place is superior as a resort for invalids to any either in France or Italy, not excepting the Riviera. The only noteworthy buildings are the cathedral (1528–1765), which is still unfinished, and the Moorish castle, built in the end of the 13th century on the site of a former Phœnician stronghold. Malaga is one of the most important commercial seaports of the kingdom. Yet its trade has been rapidly declining since 1878. Diseases have ravaged the vines and the orange and lemon groves; and heavy octroi duties, unscientific methods of agriculture and of extracting olive-oil, and insufficient and expensive means of communication have all contributed to cause the depression. Nevertheless, olive-oil, wine, raisins, lead, almonds, lemons, grapes, chick peas, and esparto grass are exported to the annual value of £1,953,000, and cotton, timber, coal, petroleum, sugar, and codfish are imported to the annual value of £474,000. The United States, the great customers for Malaga raisins, now use California raisins instead; the export of raisins from Malaga to the States has consequently decreased from 1,000,000 boxes in 1882 to a few thousands in 1895. The harbour, which is entered by 2400 vessels of 1,025,000 tons annually, one-sixth being British and three-fourths Spanish, is protected by two large moles. The manufacturing industry is more hopeful and energetic; it includes establishments for making cotton and linen goods, machinery, fine art pottery, flour, soap, lithographed work, and wine and oil presses. Pop. (1887) 134,016. The Malaca of the Romans, the town is a very ancient place, having been founded by the Phœnicians. It was an important city under the Moors, being first subject to Cordova and afterwards to Granada, from the conquest of Spain early in the 8th century down to 1487, when it was captured by Ferdinand and Isabella.—The modern province of Malaga has an area of 2836 sq. m., and a pop. (1887) of 523,627. One-sixth is planted with the vine, and two-fifths yield wheat, barley, and maize. Lead, iron, and manganese are mined.