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Restoration work on the roof of Málaga Cathedral is now running around a year behind schedule, with costs rising sharply as the scale and complexity of the project become clearer. The overhaul, which began in April 2024, is now expected to be completed by the end of 2027, with the overall budget climbing to around €22 million.

 

Around 30 per cent of the work has been completed, but the budget has increased by roughly 50 per cent, largely due to changes made to the original design and additional work uncovered once construction began. 

 

One of the biggest changes has been the decision to use timber with much higher fire resistance. Cathedral dean José Manuel Ferrary said the rethink was driven by safety concerns following the devastating fire at Notre Dame in Paris. The experience, he explained during a recent site visit, highlighted just how vulnerable historic buildings can be. “The aim is to guarantee greater safety,” he said, even if that meant adjusting deadlines and costs.

 

Delays have also been caused by archaeological excavations needed before cranes could be anchored. Ferrary described the findings as “extremely interesting”, revealing new details about Málaga’s earliest history beneath the cathedral. While the discoveries were valuable, they inevitably extended the timeline.

Alongside this, the Andalusian regional government proposed expanding the project to include work on the cathedral’s pediment or cresting. This delicate section has to be restored by hand, adding further time and expense to an already complex operation.

 

Despite the setbacks, regional and church authorities insist progress on site is solid. During a recent visit, Andalusian ministers Carolina España and Patricia del Pozo described the restoration as “one of the most significant heritage interventions in the history of this valuable temple”. They stressed that the project is tackling long-standing problems caused by leaks and damp in the cathedral’s almost flat roof.

 

Much of the main roof structure over the nave and transept is now complete, with work moving on to surrounding areas, new ceramic tiles, and modern fire protection and lighting systems. Officials say these upgrades are essential to protect one of Málaga’s most important landmarks.

 

The project is funded through a mix of public and private contributions, including €5.3 million from European regional funds, as well as support from local institutions and private donors. As España and del Pozo put it, the goal is to “halt deterioration and secure the future” of a building that sits at the very heart of the city’s history.

 

Image: Junta de Andalucia