The Chapel of the Brotherhood of Rescue, located on Agua Street in the Central District, has reopened its doors following a comprehensive rehabilitation that included the elimination of damp, the restoration of its façade, and the recovery of original mural paintings.
The Mayor of Málaga, Francisco de la Torre, visited the Chapel of the Brotherhood of Rescue on Monday to see the results of the rehabilitation works that have restored the splendour of this building from the year 1800. The project, driven by the City Council through the Municipal Housing Institute, had a total budget of €133,766.94, of which the City Council contributed €46,768 and the brotherhood covered the remaining €88,763.31.
An Intervention Against Damp
The work focused on combating the damp that affected the temple. To achieve this, a ventilated air chamber was created under the flooring and around the interior perimeter behind the marble base, connected to the outside. This system ensures permanent aeration of the walls and subsoil, complemented by a chemical barrier of silicone gel injection.
Additionally, the stone façade and the external ornamental elements have been fully restored. The work included cleaning, consolidation, crack repairs, and replacement of deteriorated parts with materials compatible with the originals. A protective treatment against moisture has also been applied.
Recovered Mural Paintings
One of the most significant findings has been the recovery of the original mural paintings of the chapel, a heritage element of great value that has been highlighted thanks to the intervention. The rehabilitation also allowed for the repair of damp in the exterior cornice, removing the wiring that ran over it and placing a waterproofing element.
Cornices, mouldings, and deteriorated decorative elements have also been reconstructed, and the electrical installation has been renewed. As a finishing touch, a video surveillance system has been installed and the metalwork of the access door has been repaired.
The senior brother of the Brotherhood of Rescue, Daniel Gil, accompanied the municipal delegation during the visit. The brotherhood has assumed the majority of the investment, demonstrating its commitment to the conservation of this religious space in the heart of Málaga.
For the residents of the Central District, the reopening means the recovery of a cultural and devotional reference point. The chapel, dating from the early 19th century, is one of the most unique historical buildings on Agua Street. With this work, the City Council and the brotherhood ensure its preservation for the coming decades.
A Before and After
The rehabilitation has not only eliminated the damp but has also restored the original appearance of the façade and uncovered the mural paintings that were hidden under layers of dirt. The total investment, exceeding €133,000, reflects the importance of this building for Málaga's heritage.
The works lasted several months and required coordination between the Municipal Housing Institute and the brotherhood. The result is a renovated chapel, with ventilation systems that will prevent future damp problems and finishes that respect the original aesthetics.
The Chapel of the Brotherhood of Rescue is now open to the public. The faithful and curious visitors can visit it during worship hours, and it is expected to become an additional attraction for those touring the historic centre of Málaga. The upcoming Holy Week will be the first in which the temple showcases its new appearance.

