Memorial to Amalia Heredia Livermore

The Memorial to Amalia Heredia Livermore is a small, easy-to-miss stop along the walking route through the La Concepción Historical-Botanical Garden in Malaga, and it rewards visitors curious about the city's 19th-century history as much as its plants.

Who was Amalia Heredia Livermore?

Amalia Heredia Livermore (1830–1902), Marchioness of Casa Loring, was the daughter of Manuel Agustín Heredia, one of the leading industrialists shaping 19th-century Malaga. After marrying Jorge Loring Oyarzábal, the couple turned their La Concepción estate into a botanical garden that remains one of the city's landmark attractions today. Amalia herself was a patron of the arts, a collector, and a philanthropist: she helped fund the Hospital de San Julián, laid the first stone of Malaga's Civil Hospital in 1862, and founded the Colegio de la Asunción in 1865.

What will you see at the memorial?

A marble bust of the marchioness stands in the section of the garden known as "el teatrillo," a quiet corner surrounded by remnants of ancient columns that once formed part of the Loring family's archaeological collection — pieces now partly held at Malaga's Archaeological Museum. The bust was unveiled as a tribute to Amalia's role as the driving force behind the creation of both the garden and the archaeological collection, recognizing that it was her vision, alongside her husband's, that shaped the site into what visitors explore today.

How do you get there?

The memorial sits inside the La Concepción Historical-Botanical Garden, a few kilometers north of Malaga's city center. The garden has its own car park and is clearly signposted from both the A-45 motorway and the MA-424 road. You can reach it by car, taxi, or local bus; once inside, it's worth asking at the information point for directions to "el teatrillo," since the garden is large and split into several themed areas.

When should you visit?

Spring (March–May) and autumn (October–November) are the best seasons, offering mild temperatures and the garden at its most colorful. Summers in Malaga can be intensely hot, so an early-morning visit right after opening is the more comfortable option. The garden is typically closed on Mondays, so it's worth checking current opening hours before you go.

What else is worth combining with this stop?

While visiting the memorial, take the time to walk the full La Concepción route — the garden is known for its palm avenue, its extensive collection of tropical and subtropical plants, and viewpoints overlooking the Guadalmedina river valley. It's also a good opportunity to learn more about the Loring-Heredia family, whose imprint is visible across Malaga, from street names to collections held in the city's museums.

Frequently asked questions

Where exactly is the bust of Amalia Heredia located? In the section of the La Concepción garden known as "el teatrillo," surrounded by ancient columns from the Loring family's former archaeological collection.

Do you need a ticket to see the memorial? Yes, the memorial is located inside the paid La Concepción Historical-Botanical Garden, and general admission covers the entire route.

How long does it take to see the garden and reach the memorial? A full visit, including reaching "el teatrillo," typically takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours depending on your pace.

Is the memorial accessible for children or older visitors? Yes, the garden has paved paths, though the terrain is gently uneven, so comfortable shoes are recommended, along with sun protection in summer.