Visiting Colomares Monument Castle in Malaga
If you are looking for something interesting and unusual to do while you are in the Costas Del Sol, Colomares Monument Castle is a must visit. It is a singular masterpiece that tells the story of the Discovery of America through stone. You will find the stunning gem tucked away about 30 minutes from Malaga in Benalmádena. The Castle Monument of Colomares is a fantasy made in stone and every time I visit I find something new!
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This majestic castle style building and chapel was built as a tribute to Christopher Columbus and his historic voyages with lots of hidden tributes all over its facade. This is everything you need to know about visiting Colomares Castle Monument.
The Ultimate Guide and History of Colomares Monument Castle in Benalmádena, Spain.
This enchanting castle is a must-visit in Malaga, especially as it also boasts the smallest church in the world. If you’re wondering if it’s worth visiting and how to reach Colomares Monument Castle, this travel guide will make it easy for you to discover all it has to offer.
What is Colomares Castle in Benalmádena?
Colomares Castle in Benalmádena is a stunning monument blending Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudejar styles. Built in memory of key figures in the discovery of America, including Queen Isabella, Christopher Columbus, and the Pinzón brothers. It was created by Dr. Esteban Martín Martín between 1987 and 1994, this unique structure, crafted from brick, stone, and cement, stands as a “unicum”—a one-of-a-kind tribute that tells the epic story of Columbus’ journey to the New World.
Who Created the Colomares Castle in Benalmádena
In 1987, Dr. Esteban Martín Martín embarked on this unique project in an improvised manner. With the assistance of just two masons, he crafted Colomares over the course of seven years through artisanal techniques, using brick, stone, and cement. Drawing on his extensive knowledge of art, history, and architecture, Dr. Martín shaped this monument with complete freedom, transforming it into a “unicum” for its stony narration of the Discovery of America.
History and legend of and Christopher Columbus.
This monumental castle tells the story of the great feat of discovering a new world, mistakenly called America. It was Columbus, driven by his immense faith, who presented his plan to sail westward to the Indies to the Catholic Monarchs. That was his dream. This is the story told by Dr. Esteban Martín Martín, the creator of Colomares Castle, who passed away on February 8, 2001.
Columbus was a remarkable navigator, well-versed in geography, astronomy, the Holy Scriptures, mathematics, and the humanities. He wrote fluently in classical Latin and elegant Spanish, but never in Italian or Portuguese. Seven years before his historic discovery, Columbus presented his plan to various other states, but only the Catholic Monarchs supported it.
For his expedition, he needed expert sailors, whom he found in Palos de la Frontera, in the province of Huelva. Martín Alonso Pinzón helped him recruit those seasoned “sea wolves” to accompany the Admiral. In honour of this great sailor from Huelva, there is a bronze horse head, symbolizing a Pegasus or mythical horse, as a tribute to his legacy.
It was the Crown of Castile and Queen Isabella who believed in Columbus and supported him, a fact symbolised by their bronze shields displayed in perpetual gratitude and recognition.
Columbus and his Voyages
Columbus and his 96 crew members, mostly Andalusians, set sail from Palos on August 3, 1492. After a brief stop in the Canary Islands for supplies and ship repairs, they ventured into the unknown, arriving at a small islet 33 days later on October 12, 1492, the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar. Columbus named the island San Salvador, though the native inhabitants called it the “Island of the Iguanas.” In tribute to this historic event, Colomares Castle houses a small oratory. It also has an image of Christ the Savior, accompanied by a sailor’s bell in memory of San Salvador.
The 3 Ships of Christopher Columbus
The three ships Columbus used for his voyage—the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María—are represented in the architecture. The Niña is perched at the top of the structure, beneath the Arch of La Rábida, a reference to the monastery that sheltered Columbus when he arrived from Portugal. The Pinta, the ship of the Pinzón brothers, is featured on the main façade, supported by a bronze Pegasus. The Santa María stands apart, as it sank on Christmas Day off the coast of Santo Domingo. The 39 crew members who remained on the island never returned to Spain, perishing at the hands of the indigenous people.
Columbus made four voyages in total. In Colomares Castle, a mausoleum with a beautiful Gothic rose window symbolizes his fifth and final journey—to eternity. His remains, like his birthplace, remain shrouded in mystery.
It was Spain, and Andalusia in particular, that played the central role in this discovery—an event that irrevocably changed the world, for better or worse depending on one’s perspective. Yet, it is an undeniable chapter in history, and the stones of Colomares Castle stand as a lasting testament to this monumental achievement.
The building of Colomares Castle
In 1987, Dr. Esteban Martín Martín began this monumental project, and with the help of two bricklayers. Colomares was crafted over seven years using brick, stone, and cement. Thanks to his deep understanding of art, history, and architecture, Dr. Martín shaped this creation into a “unicum,” a singular masterpiece that tells the story of the Discovery of America through stone.
The architectural styles of Byzantine, Romanesque, Gothic, and Mudejar come together in this unique monument, created in memory of key figures such as Isabel of Castile, Christopher Columbus, Martín and Vicente A. Pinzón, the Niño brothers, Luis de Santángel, Juan de la Cosa, Rodrigo de Triana, Juan Pérez, Diego de Arana, and others.
This landmark castle, built from stone, narrates the epic saga of the discovery of a new world—America. It was Columbus, driven by great faith, who presented his ambitious plan to the Catholic Monarchs to sail westward in search of the Indies. That was his dream.
The Hidden Tributes to Christopher Columbus
There are many hidden tributes to Christopher Columbus hidden in the monument here are some them.
No 1 Snake Fountain.
The Man of Earth. Bizantine cloister.
No 2 Aragon’s House
Columbus, Jewish. Old and New Testament, David’s star, Golden dome (Byzante-Gothic).
No 3 Courtship fountain
Ferdinand’s and Isabella’s encounter.
4 Isabella’s Castle.
Terrace view (steps behind).
5 Unity Gate
5 Unity Gate. Marriage of Catholic Kings. Entrance to Amphitheater and Main Court. Gothic facade with Spanish Shield. Ends XV Century. Bust of the Kings of Aragon and Castille. Cothic style (west face). Crown of Charles the Fifth, on top. Coins and seals of the two kingdoms, etc (east face).
6 was not finished.
7 Fountain of Hope
7 Fountain of Hope. Departure of the three Caravelas. Tribute to M.A. Finch: ‘Pegasus of the Ocean Sea’.
8 Oriental Tower
8 Oriental Tower. The dream of Columbus. A pagoda as symbol of the East: Cipango and Cathay (to the east by the west. Concert stage.
9 Fountain of evangelization
Fountain of evangelization. Pulpit. Wall of the Gothic-Mudejar- Romanesque chapel.
10 Map of ‘Hispaniola’ island
10 Map of ‘Hispaniola’ island (Santo Domingo). Wreck of the flagship ‘La Santa Maria’. Human bones and faces made with stalactites.
11 Christmas fortress 1492.
Entrance to upper gardens.
12 The lamp of “Sailor’s Faith’
12 is the The lamp of “Sailor’s Faith’ in memory of 39 men, who did not return.
13 Bow of the sunken boat.
Bow of the sunken boat. Mausoleum. Rise to the deck. Excellent view of west face.
14 Andalucian Fountain and Cultures.
Andulucian fountain and cultures, Arabs, Phoenicians, Romans and Tartessos.
15 and 16 Tributes
These are 15 and 16,
- 15, Gate of the Spanishness (west). Evangelists and enthroned Christ.
- 16, Stem of the ship “La Santa Maria’. Honour Louge.
Full list of Columbus References
- Snake Fountain. The Man of Earth. Bizantine cloister.
- Aragon’s House, Columbus, Jewish. Old and New Testament, David’s star, Golden dome (Byzante-Gothic).
- Courtship fountain: Ferdinand’s and Isabella’s encounter.
- Isabella’s Castle, Terrace view (steps behind).
- Unity Gate. Marriage of Catholic Kings. Entrance to Amphitheater and Main Court. Gothic facade with Spanish Shield. Ends XV Century. Bust of the Kings of Aragon and Castille. Cothic style (west face). Crown of Charles the Fifth, on top. Coins and seals of the two kingdoms, etc (east face).
- Water reservoir. Observation tower (not finished).
- Fountain of Hope. Departure of the three Caravelas. Tribute to M.A. Finch: ‘Pegasus of the Ocean Sea’.
- Oriental Tower. The dream of Columbus. A pagoda as symbol of the East: Cipango and Cathay (to the east by the west. Concert stage.
- Fountain of evangelization. Pulpit. Wall of the Gothic-Mudejar- Romanesque chapel.
- Map of ‘Hispaniola’ island (Santo Domingo). Wreck of the flagship ‘La Santa Maria’. Human bones and faces made with stalactites.
- Christmas fortress 1492. Entrance to upper gardens.
- The lamp of “Sailor’s Faith’ in memory of 39 men, who did not return.
- Bow of the sunken boat. Mausoleum. Rise to the deck. Excellent view of west face.
- Andalucian Fountain and Cultures: Arabs, Phoenicians, Romans and Tartessos.
- Gate of the Spanishness (west). Evangelists and enthroned Christ.
- Stem of the ship “La Santa Maria’. Honour Louge.
How to get there by car
To reach Colomares Monument Castle by car, follow these directions:
- From Malaga: The castle is located about 30 kilometers west of Malaga. Take the A-7 highway (also known as Autovía del Mediterráneo) heading towards Benalmádena.
- Take Exit 217: Once on the A-7, take exit 217 towards Benalmádena/Arroyo de la Miel. Follow the signs for Benalmádena Pueblo.
- Drive through Benalmádena Pueblo: As you enter Benalmádena Pueblo, follow Calle Juan Luis Peralta and look for signs to Colomares Castle.
- Arrive at the Castle: The castle is located at Carretera de El Sol, and you’ll find it just outside the town. There is free parking nearby.
The drive offers scenic views of the Mediterranean coast, and the trip should take about 30–40 minutes from Malaga.
How to get there by bus
At Malaga Bus Station, catch the M-112 Bus toward Mijas. After about 50 minutes get oof at Las Mimosas V. The Avenida del Chorrillo down and the castle will be on your left.
How much is to enter the Colomares Castle?
Adults are currently 3 Euros, whilst children cost 2 Euros.
They also have toilets at the entrance.
How long does is take to Visit Colomares Castle?
Depending on how long you wish to spend it can be visited in around 30 minutes or as long as you wish!
