Monument to the 50th Anniversary of Bodegas El Pimpi

The Monument to the 50th Anniversary of Bodegas El Pimpi is a small but distinctive sculpture standing in the heart of Málaga's old town, right beside the Alcazabilla gardens and just steps from the ruins of the Roman theatre. It was unveiled in 2021 to mark the fiftieth anniversary of El Pimpi, one of the city's best-known wine bodegas, celebrated for its local wines and traditional Andalusian atmosphere. The piece was created by sculptor Aurelio Robles and made from corten steel, a material that develops a rust-coloured patina over time, giving the work a raw, industrial look that stands out against the surrounding historic architecture.

What does the monument depict?

The sculpture pays tribute to the "pimpi," a popular figure from mid-20th-century Málaga whose job was to spot sailors and the first tourists disembarking at the port, then guide them through the city's alleys and squares. The bodega itself took its name from this character, and the monument honours that local tradition of hospitality and informal guiding. A plaque on the base tells the story of the figure and credits the artist and the year the work was created.

How do you get there?

The monument stands on Calle Alcazabilla, right in the historic centre of Málaga, next to the Teatro Romano (Roman theatre) and at the foot of the hill crowned by the Alcazaba fortress. It's an easy walk from almost anywhere downtown: a few minutes from Málaga Cathedral and from the main pedestrian street, Calle Larios. City bus routes running through the centre stop nearby, and the walk from María Zambrano train station takes about 20–25 minutes.

What else is worth seeing nearby?

The immediate surroundings pack in some of Málaga's densest concentration of landmarks. Right next door are the ruins of the Teatro Romano, free to visit, and rising above them is the Alcazaba, a Moorish fortress with views over the city and harbour. The Picasso Museum is also close by, along with several small squares with cafés perfect for a break between sights. The monument itself, though modest in size, fits naturally into a walking route linking these attractions — it's worth a short pause to read the story behind the figure that gave the famous bodega its name.

When is the best time to visit?

The monument can be visited year-round, but spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer the most pleasant conditions, with milder temperatures than the height of summer. Since it stands outdoors and unshaded, midday heat in July and August can be intense, so it's better to plan a visit for morning or early evening, when the light also brings out the texture of the corten steel more clearly.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Monument to the 50th Anniversary of Bodegas El Pimpi? It's a sculpture by artist Aurelio Robles, made of corten steel and unveiled in 2021 to mark the 50th anniversary of the El Pimpi bodega in Málaga.

Where exactly is it located? On Calle Alcazabilla, next to the Alcazabilla gardens, right beside the ruins of the Roman theatre and at the foot of the Alcazaba hill.

Who was the "pimpi" the sculpture represents? A mid-20th-century Málaga character who welcomed sailors and tourists arriving at the port and guided them around the city for a small fee.

Is there an entrance fee to see the monument? No, it stands in a public space and can be viewed free of charge at any time of day.