How would you like to wake up in one of the seven bedrooms of your historic palatial home, to open the window shutters and find yourself in front of Malaga Cathedral? Well, you could have, but someone has just snapped that little dream up for the tidy sum of €3.2.
The iconic Palacio Zea-Salvatierra has just been sold for slightly more than that, making it one of the most prestigious property deals in central Malaga in a long time. The 17th-century Baroque little palace, situated directly opposite Malaga Cathedral on Calle Císter, combines centuries of history with opulent modern living and has attracted house browsers seeking a piece of Spain’s architectural heritage. In fact, in just two years, the asking price rose a cool million.
Palatial gem with high ceilings adorned by intricate wooden coffered panels
The sale, brokered by Berkshire Hathaway Malaga, a specialist in high-end properties, shows the lasting appeal of historic residences in the Andalucian city’s bustling historic centre. José Carlos Romero,the real estate agent who facilitated the deal, described the property as a “palatial gem” with high ceilings adorned by intricate wooden coffered panels, known as artesonados. “One-of-a-kind luxury residence in a baroque mansion in the centre of Malaga,” Romeros said.
Covering 378 square metres, the residence features seven bedrooms, three full bathrooms, and two additional toilets. Every room is naturally ventilated through balconies that open to the exterior, ensuring a bright and airy atmosphere whileatmosphere while remaining cool in summer. At the heart of the home lies a traditional Andalusian patio, embellished with elegant Corinthian columns and graceful arches, serving as a serene central hub. The layout includes spacious salons for entertaining, a 30-square-metre library ideal for scholarly pursuits or quiet reflection, and a well-equipped kitchen. An upper mezzanine to survey your property, housing one bedroom, a cosy sitting room, and a complete bathroom.
The interior decor speaks of the owner of this home as someone extremely special, incorporating antique pieces such as finely worked wooden elements, tapestries that speak of centuries of fascinating stories, and unique furnishings scattered throughout. Comfortable armchairs and sofas invite relaxation, while built-in wardrobes and additional storage spaces provide practical modern touches.
Credit: bhhsmalaga
House of history in centre of Malaga
Built in the late 17th century by Doña María Salvatierra, widow of Captain Blas de Zea Merino, the palace originally served as a noble residence, its facade proudly displaying the family’s coat of arms. During Queen Isabel II’s reign in the 19th century, it housed Malaga’s Cabildo, or city council, and survived an assault during the 1868 revolution. Later, it functioned as the city’s post office into the 20th century.
While not the priciest in Malaga today, where villas in upscale districts like El Limonar can fetch up to €5 million or more, the Palacio Zea-Salvatierra’s €3.2 million price tag shows the premium on historic properties in the historic centre. Average prices here hover around €4,500-€6,000 per square metre, driven by demand for renovated spaces near landmarks like the Cathedral and Picasso Museum.
There’s no word on who has bought it as of yet, but the sale comes during a fresh boom on the Malaga real property scene, pushed mostly by international buyers and the city’s cultural renaissance. The building not only carries with it centuries of the history of Spain butSpain but also this next chapter in a new age of luxury homes.