Monumento a la Antigua Imprenta Sur

Antigua Imprenta Sur is a historic working print shop in Málaga, where a century-old press still operates today, tied to one of the most significant chapters in twentieth-century Spanish poetry.

What is Antigua Imprenta Sur?

It is a printing workshop founded in 1925 by poets Emilio Prados and Manuel Altolaguirre. This isn't a static exhibit behind glass — it's a functioning press where books of poetry are still hand-set and printed using traditional artisanal methods. The workshop became a defining hub for the development of modern Spanish poetry: it was here that the literary magazine "Litoral" was produced, along with the debut books of poets who would later be known collectively as the Generación del 27, a circle that included figures such as Federico García Lorca and Rafael Alberti.

Where is it and how do you get there?

The print shop occupies the first floor of the Centro Cultural María Victoria Atencia (MVA) at Calle Ollerías 34, right in central Málaga. It's an easy walk from the old town, close to several other cultural sites, making it simple to combine with a broader stroll through the historic quarter.

What will you see inside?

At the entrance stands the Sala Litoral, featuring display cases with original editions of the magazine and books produced on site. The space also holds decorative and museum pieces, including the sculpture "Pez litoral" (Coastal Fish) and an allegorical sculpture referencing "cadáver exquisito" (exquisite corpse), the surrealist drawing game favored by the avant-garde artists of the era. Beyond the entrance, the workshop itself is very much alive — the presses still run, and craftsmen compose type letter by letter, exactly as it was done nearly a hundred years ago.

When to visit and how tours work?

The cultural center housing the print shop is generally open Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 20:00. Visiting the working press itself, however, requires a guided tour: small groups of up to 20 people are typically shown around on Wednesdays at 18:00. Because spots are limited, advance booking is required — visitors usually need to send their name, group size, and contact details ahead of time. This keeps the experience intimate and genuine, a world away from the crowds found at larger museums.

Why is it worth visiting?

Antigua Imprenta Sur offers a rare chance to see a pre-digital printing process in actual operation rather than as a static relic. For anyone interested in literature or Spanish cultural history, it functions almost like a pilgrimage site — this is where poetry that reshaped twentieth-century Spanish letters was first typeset and printed. A visit blends education, craftsmanship, and an authentic historic atmosphere rarely found on standard Málaga sightseeing routes.

Frequently asked questions

Is admission free? Visits take place as organized guided tours, generally free of charge, though advance registration is required due to limited group size.

Do you need to book ahead? Yes — because tours are kept intimate and capped at around 20 participants, reserving a spot in advance is necessary.

What's the main highlight? Seeing a genuine, historic printing press in operation along with the hand-composition process — a rarity anywhere in Europe.

Is the site linked to a famous figure? Yes, it was founded by poets Emilio Prados and Manuel Altolaguirre, and its history is closely tied to the Generación del 27, including the work of Federico García Lorca.