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La Manquita: The One-Armed Lady of Málaga and Her Hidden Tie to American Independence
- Cynthia Seitz
- Jul 18
- 3 min read
Málaga’s skyline is unmistakably crowned by a grand architectural marvel: the Santa Iglesia Catedral Basílica de la Encarnación. But look closer, and you’ll notice something unusual. The cathedral, though majestic in scale and splendor, is missing one of its towers. This distinctive feature has earned it the affectionate nickname “La Manquita”—Spanish for “The One-Armed Lady.”
Though centuries old, La Manquita tells a story that still surprises many: a story that connects southern Spain with the birth of a new nation across the Atlantic—the United States of America.
🏛 A Tower That Never Was
Construction on Málaga Cathedral began in the 16th century after the Reconquista reclaimed the city from Moorish rule. Over the next two centuries, artisans and architects infused the structure with a unique blend of Gothic foundations, Renaissance symmetry, and Baroque ornamentation.
But the south tower—planned to mirror the existing north tower—was never built. Construction halted in 1782, leaving one half of the façade strikingly incomplete. Though funding and shifting priorities played a part, another theory would link the cathedral's fate to events playing out across the Atlantic. A Spanish Contribution to the American Revolution?
Local legend holds that the funds meant for the south tower’s construction were diverted to support the American colonies during the Revolutionary War. Spain, after all, was not a passive observer. It formally entered the war in 1779 as an ally to France and, by extension, the American revolutionaries.
The Spanish governor of Louisiana, Bernardo de Gálvez—born in the nearby town of Macharaviaya—led vital military campaigns that helped weaken British forces in the Gulf Coast. Some believe that cities like Málaga, tied to these transatlantic networks, also played their part.
Could it be that La Manquita’s missing limb funded liberty across the sea? While direct documentation is sparse, the theory continues to captivate historians and travelers alike.
🎆 A Spanish Town That Celebrates the Fourth of July
Each year, the nearby town of Macharaviaya proudly hosts one of Europe’s only Fourth of July celebrations. This picturesque village honors its native son, Bernardo de Gálvez, whose efforts in Pensacola and Mobile directly supported the American cause.
In recognition of his military service, the U.S. Congress granted Gálvez honorary American citizenship—an honor shared by only a few historical figures.
During the celebration, streets are filled with colonial-era reenactments, American flags, and fireworks, making this Andalusian town feel like a slice of 18th-century Philadelphia.
🌍 A Symbol of Transatlantic Legacy
La Manquita doesn’t just symbolize architectural ambition; it represents a moment in global history when nations influenced each other's destinies across oceans. Spain’s indirect role in shaping early American success is embodied in this cathedral—unintended, unfinished, yet unforgettable.
From Málaga to New Orleans, Havana to Pensacola, the threads of history wove a tapestry that includes Catholic missionaries, Spanish generals, enslaved peoples, and revolutionaries. The One-Armed Lady stands as a silent reminder of those global intersections.
🧭 Why La Manquita Still Captivates Travelers Today
Architectural uniqueness: Few landmarks blend Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque so masterfully.
Cultural storytelling: The incomplete tower draws curiosity and sparks historical dialogue.
Photographic appeal: A dramatic centerpiece in Málaga’s old town, it is both visually stunning and emotionally evocative.
Educational value: Tied to international events, it’s a fantastic springboard for learning about the Spanish-American connection during the 18th century.
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