The restoration of the roofs of Malaga Cathedral has become one of the most important heritage projects currently underway in Andalusia. What began as a project focused on resolving water leaks has transformed into a far-reaching undertaking, both in terms of its technical scope and its economic and symbolic impact on the city.
The works, which began in April 2024 , are currently scheduled for completion in the last months of 2027. The initial plan envisioned finishing earlier, around 2026, but the incorporation of new actions, fire safety requirements, and several technical adjustments have forced a rescheduling of the timeline, with no plans at this time to reduce the scope of the intervention.
A comprehensive project to protect a Renaissance temple
According to the Andalusian Regional Government, this is a comprehensive project on the Cathedral of the Incarnation, considered one of the great jewels of the Spanish Renaissance and declared a Site of Cultural Interest. Not only is the old terraced roof being replaced, but a large gabled roof is being constructed to finally resolve the chronic problem of leaks and dampness that affected both the exterior and interior of the cathedral.
During a recent visit to the construction site, the Regional Minister for Economy, Finance, European Funds and Social Dialogue, Carolina España , and the Regional Minister for Culture and Sport, Patricia del Pozo , were accompanied by the Bishop of Málaga, José Antonio Satué , and the Dean of the Cathedral, José Manuel (José) Ferrary . All emphasized that this project addresses a long-standing demand from the diocese, conservation specialists, and a large segment of the public.
The project is particularly delicate because it involves a building that combines several historical styles, from Gothic elements to Baroque contributions , and any modification must respect the cathedral's monumental appearance . Therefore, the architectural solutions have been designed to enhance its protection without compromising the overall aesthetic, something that, according to those in charge, has required meticulous coordination between government agencies, technical experts, and church officials.
The intervention is not limited to the roof in the strict sense: it is also being used to complete elements of the main facade, such as the portico and the pediment that will top the main entrance following the original project of the architect Antonio Ramos, which adds complexity and workload to the whole of the work.
Revised calendar: why it's delayed until the end of 2027
Initially, the plan was to complete the new roof around September 2026. However, the project has proven more complex than expected, and the official completion date is now the end of 2027. The reasons for this schedule adjustment are primarily due to technical modifications introduced midway through the project and new safety requirements.
One of the key factors was the need to replace some of the originally planned wooden beams following a report from the Fire Department that warned of the risk they could pose in the event of a fire. Based on the experience of major European cathedrals, such as Notre Dame in Paris , it was decided to opt for fireproof solutions, apply specific treatments and varnishes , and redesign some sections of the structure to increase the level of protection.
This change was compounded by a delay due to the need to carry out archaeological digs in the Postigo de los Abades area , necessary for installing the large crane used for the construction work. These digs unearthed remains of interest to the ancient history of Málaga, which slowed the start of the project but provided new information about the evolution of the area surrounding the cathedral.
Furthermore, the project was expanded to include complementary works , among them the construction of the pediment and the cresting, as well as shortening the arms of the transept roofs to reduce their visual impact and adapt them to current fire protection requirements. All these changes necessitated the drafting of a new project and, consequently, an adjustment of both the budget and the deadlines.
According to data provided by the Regional Ministry of Culture, after approximately 20 months of construction, the project is now around 30% complete , placing it roughly at its halfway point. Those in charge feel that, having overcome the main technical and administrative hurdles, the pace of work has stabilized, and they are confident they can meet the new deadline.
A budget that grows to 22,5-23 million euros
The economic cost has also had to be revised. What was initially estimated at around 15 million euros has now climbed to between 22,5 and 23 million , according to the latest update. The increase is due to a combination of factors: new technical requirements, higher-quality materials, enhanced safety measures, and an expansion of the initially planned works.
The Andalusian government is maintaining its contribution of €5,3 million, largely from ERDF funds for 2021-2027 , earmarked for heritage conservation and improving cultural offerings. Along with the regional government, the Málaga City Council is also contributing €4,5 million, and the Provincial Council is allocating €3,5 million. The Unicaja Foundation is contributing €1,5 million, in addition to previous contributions from organizations such as the Association of Brotherhoods and private donations.
The package of measures related to the new safety conditions and technical modifications alone —replacing the wood, reinforcing the fire protection system, and expanding the construction work—is estimated to have added around four million euros to the initial plans. Even so, the Cathedral Chapter has insisted that this additional cost is “worth it” to guarantee a lasting and safe solution.
The dean, José Ferrary , has indicated that discussions will continue with various institutions and businesses in Malaga to seek further support. Should this prove unsuccessful, he reiterated that the works will be completed using the diocese's own resources , but he also left open the possibility of intensifying collaboration with private entities in the coming months.
From a political standpoint, the funding has also generated debate. The regional ministers have lamented the lack of financial contribution from the Spanish government , criticizing it for not getting involved in a project they consider strategic for Málaga and for Spain's historical heritage. "Almost all levels of government are involved, except the central government ," they emphasized, insisting that a monument of this caliber should have broader support.
The current state of the works: main nave, transept and ambulatory
Those in charge of the project insist that, despite adjustments to the schedule and budget, the work is "progressing well ." To date, the roof structure of the main nave and the transept , two of the key elements of the complex, has been completed. This structural phase was one of the most complex of the project, so its completion is considered a significant milestone.
Simultaneously, work is underway on the ambulatory and the perimeter balustrade , while work continues on the intermediate roofs . These areas, less visible to visitors, are essential to ensure proper water drainage and the overall stability of the new gabled roof.
One of the most distinctive features of the future roof will be the use of curved ceramic tiles , which have already begun to be manufactured specifically for this project. This type of tile, traditional in Mediterranean architecture, has been chosen for both aesthetic and functional reasons, as it improves waterproofing and facilitates long-term maintenance.
At the same time, the necessary infrastructure is being prepared to install new lighting for the complex, as well as modern fire protection systems . This work includes concealed conduits, control points, and equipment designed to be discreetly integrated into the architecture, without altering the visual perception of the monument.
On the exterior of the main façade, work on the pediment and portico is also progressing, albeit at a more artisanal pace. A significant portion of this project is being carried out almost entirely by hand , stone by stone, following meticulous restoration guidelines to respect the original design and the quality of the materials.
Leaks, heritage and memory: why it was an urgent project
The intervention on the roof responds, above all, to an urgent need for conservation . The old terraced roof had been causing constant leaks, which over time had begun to threaten valuable works of art inside the church. Ceilings, paintings, altarpieces, and stone elements were increasingly exposed to dampness.
The Cathedral of the Incarnation is one of Málaga's most recognizable symbols and a key tourist and religious landmark for the city. Beyond its liturgical function, the building frequently hosts cultural events, guided tours, and Holy Week processions, which intensifies the need to maintain it in optimal condition.
The Andalusian Regional Government has emphasized that this is a "priority action" within its policy for the conservation of Andalusian historical heritage. It understands that protecting these types of buildings is not only a cultural matter, but also an investment in Málaga's international profile and its appeal for cultural and religious tourism, a growing segment throughout Europe.
The experience of recent fires in other European cathedrals has served as a warning about the importance of anticipating risks . Therefore, the Malaga project has placed special emphasis on fire safety, which has increased costs and delayed the works, but is considered essential to avoid irreparable damage.
For the diocese and the institutions involved, the restoration of the roofs is a kind of "turning point" in the long history of the building: the aim is to ensure that the cathedral can face the coming decades — and even centuries — with a renewed, more robust envelope adapted to current standards without losing its historical character.
Institutional collaboration and a call for private sector involvement
One of the keys to this project has been the public-private partnership . The Archdiocese of Málaga and the Cathedral Chapter are spearheading the project, but the financial burden is shared among several administrations and entities. The Regional Government of Andalusia, the City Council, the Provincial Council, and the Unicaja Foundation form the core of the institutional funding, supplemented by contributions from the Association of Brotherhoods and private donors.
During his recent visits to the construction site, Bishop José Antonio Satué emphasized the positive atmosphere of understanding among all parties involved, highlighting that this dialogue has allowed the project to be adapted to new needs without compromising coordination. The diocese particularly appreciates that most local institutions have recognized the importance of the project.
Dean José Ferrary also took the opportunity to appeal to businesses in Málaga and individuals with financial means, reminding them that the cathedral is a monument "used and enjoyed by everyone," including organizations such as religious brotherhoods and confraternities. In this regard, he made it clear that the door to new forms of sponsorship and collaboration remains open.
On behalf of the Andalusian government, Regional Minister Carolina España emphasized that the project is being made possible thanks to the "contribution of almost all levels of government," but reiterated her criticism of the central government's lack of involvement . Beyond the political debate, the current distribution of funding obliges local and regional institutions to make a significant effort.
The idea shared by all parties is that the restoration of the roof of Malaga Cathedral is not just any project, but a large-scale intervention that will mark the future of the temple and, by extension, an important part of the urban and historical landscape of the city.
If the forecasts are correct and the new roof is completed by the end of 2027 , Málaga will have a cathedral better protected against rain and fire, with a more cohesive exterior appearance and an infrastructure designed to last. In the medium term, the economic, technical, and institutional effort will result in a safer, more stable building, better prepared to remain one of the great heritage landmarks of southern Europe.
