A castle regal enough to have you feeling like royalty, Colomares Monument Castle is a gorgeous gem nestled in the south of Spain about 30 kilometers west of Malaga. The majestic chateau was constructed as a tribute to the adventurous life of Christopher Colombus and his rediscovery of the Americas, with each facade dedicated to his world-changing endeavors.
Located near the town of Benalmádena, the captivating castle is certainly worth a visit since it’s also home to the smallest church in the world. If you want to know how to get to Colomares Monument Castle, this travel guide will definitely make the journey easier than sailing the ocean blue! Plus, with plenty to see in the castle’s surrounding area, it’s the perfect day trip for adventurers looking for more things to do in Malaga.
Better yet, you could always plan a weekend getaway since Benalmádena is an idyllic little beach town and Colomares Castle will be just within reach. Both places hold plenty of charm yet the monumental castle can’t be overlooked for its stunning array of towers, balconies and sculptures that will take your breath away. For lovers of avant-garde architecture, this alluring castle will be an unforgettable treat so let’s get to exploring. ¡Andale!
The Legend
The passion project of a local doctor, Esteban Martin, the plans for Castillo Monumento Colomares came into fruition in 1987, with construction coming to an end in 1994. Along with the help of two other masons, the good doctor drew on his knowledge of architecture, art and history to create the world’s largest monument in honor of Christopher Columbus. Dr. Martin’s dedication seems to have paid off since his life’s work culminated in the construction of the glorious feat of engineering extending over an area of 1500 meters.
Colomares Castle was erected incorporating various mediums such as stones, bricks and woodwork which were then expertly blended into a myriad of carved façades. The end result was a breathtaking castle made of an amalgamation of architectural styles, including Neo-Romanesque, Neo-Gothic, Neo-Mudejar and Neo-Byzantine elements.
Sections of the Castle
The 3 Flagships
Given that Colombus and his crew set out on their initial expedition in three ships, La Pinta, La Niña and La Santa María, each is represented in the castle’s layout. The biggest, the Pinta, is situated on the main façade of the castle, adorned with the head of a Pegasus to recognize the contributions of Martin Alonso Pinzón, one of Colombus’ biggest lobbyists. The tallest is the Niña, positioned at the monument’s highest point while the Santa Maria is just out in front, separated from the other two since it sank on Christmas Day in 1492.
While Colombus never set foot in Continental America, he did manage to reach the Caribbean Sea, first arriving on an island that he christened ‘‘San Salvador’’ (modern-day Santo Domingo). Thus, you can also find symbols commemorating the patron saint decorating the ships’ naves as well as the rest of the castle.
Apart from these, it’s also easy to spot the emblems representing the union of the Catholic Monarchs, Colombus’ main benefactors. The marriage of King Ferdinand of Castille and Queen Isabella of Aragon unified the Spanish Monarchy and, during their rule, the royal power couple reigned over a diverse population that worshipped three main religions, Christianity, Islamism and Judaism. It’s only fitting then that influences from medieval Spain’s three cultures were also assimilated into the castle’s design in the form of religious iconography.
The Chapel
If you want to tick another accomplishment off of your travel bucket list, you can also visit the smallest church in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records. Covering only about 1.92 square meters, the tiny chapel is dedicated to the Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, a former princess-turned-patron saint of people such as nurses, widows, grieving parents, the homeless, the falsely accused and, surprisingly, bakers. Even if you’re not religious, you should stop by the church just for the novelty of visiting its tight quarters since it’s literally one for the history books!
The Chinese Pagoda
Also known as the Oriental Tower, Colomares Castle features a temple-like edifice that embodies far more Asian elements compared to the other structures. Convinced that the world was smaller than it actually was, Colombus was determined to find a new route to India by crossing the Atlantic Ocean. Instead, he stumbled upon the Americas, dubbed the natives ‘‘Indians’’ and the rest is history since he never realized his mistake. Hence, the pagoda represents the explorer’s unfulfilled dream, the desire to set sail for the Far East.
The Mausoleum
Colombus would die in Spain after his fourth expedition to the Americas but the site of his final resting place has long since been disputed. Some historians have stated that his remains are entombed in the Dominican Republic, as was his dying wish, while others have said that he’s interred in Seville.
Regardless, there’s a small mausoleum in Colomares Castle devoted to Colombus’ memory and complete with an altar. Look out the tomb’s graceful Gothic rose window as you ponder on the life and death of one of the world’s most notorious historical figures.
Visiting the Castle
While the majority of the castle is mostly ornamental and, therefore, inaccessible, you can still enter Columbus’ mausoleum and the chapel. The rest of your visit should be spent exploring the exterior, including a terrace overlooking the coast.
Colomares Castle is open to visitors year-round yet its hours of operation change seasonally:
Autumn and Winter: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM
Summer: Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 2 PM and then 5 PM to 9 PM
Spring: Wednesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM
The entrance fee only costs a couple of euros, preferably in cash, but it’s worth the price of admission to venture around this palace for the day.
Address: Finca la Carraca, Carretera Costa del Sol, S/N, 29639, Benalmádena, Málaga
How to Get to Colomares Monument Castle
Spain is renowned for its reliable public transportation and well-paved roads, and Andalucia is no different. With Colomares Castle only about 30 kilometers from central Malaga and its main train station, it’s relatively easy and cheap to reach the monument. For visitors traveling by car, the trip should take almost no time at all since the two places are connected via motorway and there’s on-site parking at the castle. Whether you’re moving on four wheels or more, it’ll be a breeze to set sail on this next adventure.
By Car
Starting from Paseo del Parque just south of Malaga’s historic center, continue west onto Plaza de la Marina and then continue onto Alameda Principal. Drive over Puente de Tetuán (Tetuán Bridge), which transitions into Avenida de Andalucía and kept left for the next kilometer or so.
Avenida de Andalucía transitions into Avenida de Blas Infante once you pass Calle de la Virgen de la Cabeza (go straight at the roundabout). Continue straight for a couple of hundred meters before using the two right lanes to merge onto Autovía de Circunvalación de Málaga/MA-20 via the exit leading to Aeropuerto/MA-21/Torremolinos/Cádiz.
Next, follow Autovía de Circunvalación de Málaga/AP-7 for about the next 20 kilometers until you see signs for Carretera Mijas/A-368. Take Exit 217 to continue onto A-368 and then take the third exit at the next roundabout, turning onto Avenida de Retamar.
Continue on Avenida de Retamar until you come to a roundabout and take the first exit onto Calle de Melisa. Take the third exit at the next roundabout to continue on Calle de Melisa/Calle de Heliotrop.
At the next roundabout, take the first exit onto Calle de Muerdago, then turn left onto Avenida de Los Botijos. Go all the way down Avenida de Los Botijos before turning left onto Carretera Costa del Sol. You can park at the car park just up the road from Colomares Castle.
Travel time: 35 minutes
Via Public Transportation
It’s relatively simple to use the public transportation system in Malaga and it’s the most affordable method of moving around the southern Spanish province. The buses and trains are generally well-maintained and highly reliable, assuring that you’ll arrive at your destination without huge delays.
By Bus
From Malaga Bus Station, catch the M-112 Bus toward Mijas for the next 42 stops. After about 50 minutes, exit at Las Mimosas V. From the bus stop, follow Avenida del Chorrillo down for the next 700 meters. The castle will be visible just to your left.
Travel time: 60-70 minutes
Find the M-121 bus stop just past the stairs to the left.
By Train and Bus
Departing from Malaga’s Victoria Kent Train Station, get on the C1 Train toward Fuengirola for the next 9 stops. Get off at Arroyo de La Miel Train Station and leave the station. Hook a right to find the bus stop for the M-121 Bus heading toward Mijas. Stay on for 10 stops and then exit at Las Mimosas V. Walk down Avenida del Chorrillo for 700 meters and Colomares Castle should emerge to your left.
Travel time: 60 minutes
Final Thoughts
Whether or not you recognize Colombus' rediscovery of the Americas, there’s no denying that his expedition forever changed the course of history. Despite the brutality wrought on the native people, Colomares Monument Castle is a beautiful memorial to one of history’s most controversial figures. It should be no surprise then that the enchanting castle is often used to host events like birthdays and wedding ceremonies (there was actually one being set up while I was there).
While the journey is a bit far with public transportation, it’s worth making the trek if you want to check off visiting the smallest church in the world as well. Benalmádena also has a lot more famous landmarks in the area, like Benalmádena Stupa (the tallest Buddhist temple in Europe), meaning there’s enough to do in the area over a weekend. Come for Colomares Castle but stay for the beaches and boat rides around the Costa del Sol. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
May you get lost in the wonder,
M