The Benalmádena stupa stands as a symbol of world peace.
Benalmadena Stupa
The Benalmádena stupa was designed to be the largest Buddhist stupa in the western world. The story behind the stupa goes back to 1990 when a Buddhist master came to Spain to give talks to the faithful in Vélez-Málaga. In Vélez, there is a Buddhist meditation centre.
Four years later, Lopon Tsechu Rinpoche decided to return to Spain and build a stupa in Vélez Málaga, where he had given his talks. His idea was to give the area a monument that would symbolize peace and prosperity for Spain.
As time passed, Rinpoche's relationship with Spain grew and he eventually decided to obtain residency here so he could spend more time sharing his teachings with people across the country.
At some point Rinpoche met the mayor of Benalmádena, Enrique Bolín and shared with him his idea of building the largest stupa in the western world, right in Benalmádena. In the year 2003 the building was finished and inaugurated in a fine ceremony featuring monks dancing in traditional dress. Now the building stands as a symbol of world peace, perched high in the hills above the Benalmádena coast. It can be seen from the A-7 motorway as you drive past Benalmádena.
The stupa is open the public. There is a small shop where visitors may review literature about Buddhism and purchase traditional artifacts and ceramics from the Himalayas. In the summer there is a small cafe.
Opening hours
Tuesday to Saturday: 10:00 - 14:00 hrs and 15:30 - 18:30 hrs
Sundays: 10:00 - 14:00 and 15:30 - 18:30 hrs
Mondays Closed
Entrance
Free
Location
El Retamar,
29639 Benalmádena Pueblo
Getting there
By car:
Autovía del Mediterraneo A7, exit 217 - Benalmádena Mijas
Take highway Autovía del Mediterraneo A7 towards the south west and past Malaga, take the exit 217 - Benalmádena Mijas, and drive towards Benalmádena. You will fsee the Stupa on your right hand side. There is free parking.
By train:
Train to Benalmádena-Arroyo de la Miel train station.
Walking out of the train station you find the bus stop. Take the L 2 to Benalmádena Pueblo and exit at the bus stop "Estupa Tibetana", right next to the Enlightenment Stupa of Benalmádena.
By bus:
L2 (Benalmádena),
M112 (Málaga-Mijas), and
M121 (Torremolinos-Benalmádena-Mijas)
The bus stop is called "Estupa Tibetana" and is located right next to the Stupa.
Contact
Tel. +34 662 907 004
Email: [email protected]
