Jorge Loring Oyarzabal and Amalia Heredia Livermore came from the richest families of Malaga and they bought the land on which the La Concepcion Gardens stand in 1855.
Beside the gardens is a mansion that the Lorings built, that has recently been restored. In this house, the Lorings entertained the cream of European society.
The Botanical Gardens, Malaga quickly became famous for its gardens and also for the archaeological collection that the Lorings put in the small Loring Museum. This building has the Doric style. The archaeological remains were found in Cartama and Amalia had them brought to the gardens. The most famous remain is the Lex Flavia Malacitana, a bronze piece the has the Roman laws that governed Malaga in the year 80 AD, and which now is in the National Archaeology Museum in Madrid.
The Gardens Today
In 1943 the gardens of La Concepcion were recognized as a garden of historical-artistic importance. There are more than 1000 species in the gardens. Among them are focuses, magnolias, pines, cypresses, cedars, and many of the trees are more than 100 years old. The palm tree collection is one of the best in Europe, with more than 100 species. The gardens are probably the largest tropical plant gardens in Europe. They are simply beautiful and unique in Europe.
Among the highlights of the garden are the Wisteria Walk, an arcaded area formed by wisterias that hang over a large trellis. This is spectacular in March and April, when the flowers bloom. The Lorings used to use this area as an outside dining room.
The tallest tree in Malaga is a Monkey Puzzle tree that has a height of 45 meters. It comes from Norfolk Island in South East Queensland. There are plants from the Philippines, Australia, India, Mexico, Java, China, Formosa, and Japan. Most of them are signposted, so it is an educational experience to see the tropical gardens. Sometimes one feels that one is in a tropical rain forest as one visits the gardens. The guide explains everything during the tour. There is plenty of running water around the gardens, that water the trees and plants. The paths are not paved, so one should wear comfortable walking shoes.
There is also a Canarian Palm Tree Walk that leads to a lookout point, where one can see the city of Malaga.
Opening hours
Opening time: 09:30. Closing time: From 1st April to 30th September: 20:30. From 1st October to 31st March: 17:30. Visitors are admitted up until one and a half hours before closing time. The Gardens are closed on Mondays, 25th December and 1st January.
