The Stupa of Benalmádena
Posted on 10 November 2015
Did you know that Europe’s largest stupa is located in Benalmádena?
You might have wondered what is the large white geometric shaped building with gold dome which can be seen from Fuengirola beach when looking up towards the Benalmádena hillside?
At the entrance of Benalmádena village you will find Europe’s largest Buddhist stupa (temple). Normally a stupa is a sealed structure, but this one you can enter. The stupa is 33 meters high and almost 26 meters wide. The stupa is beautifully situated with views over Fuengirola bay and is worth visiting as an observation point of the Coast.
The stupa was inaugurated in 2003 and has been decorated by Nepalese artists showing the life of the Buddha Sakyamuni. In the basement of the stupa, there are changing exhibitions.
It is free to visit the stupa and only the exhibition in the basement costs 2 euros.
According to Buddhist tradition it is said that one’s wishes are fulfilled if one walks around the stupa in a clock wise direction. Worth a try, isn´t it?
Opening hours:
Tuesday – Saturday: 10:00h to 14:00h & 15:30h to 19:00h
Sunday: 10:00h to 14:30h & 15:30h to 19:00h.
Monday: closed
Every Tuesday and Friday there are guided mediation at 18:30h, which is free, even though a donation is welcome.
Next to the stupa you will find the Butterfly museum also called “Mariposario” which you can combine your visit with.
How to get there:
From Málaga airport you take the motorway A-7 towards Fuengirola. Take the exit at 217km for Benalmádena Pueblo/ Mijas and head towards Benalmádena village. At the first roundabout before the village you will see the stupa. There are plenty of free parking spaces in the area.