Velez-Malaga is a working town with varied interesting architecture and old palaces. The origins go back to the Phoenicians and the Carthaginians, from which civilisations a great many important remains have been discovered. The Greek city of Mainake is reputed to have stood here. Under Roman rule, when it was known as Menoba, it was an important centre of commerce and trade. During eight centuries of Moorish occupation it was known as Ballix-Malaca (Fortress of Malaga) when again it was an important strategic, cultural and commercial centre.

The building of El Ingenio Shopping Centre is a tribute to the industrial past of Vélez-Málga. Opened in 2000 and renovated a year later, it reminds us of the sugar refineries in the region, since it has a structure, colours and decorative elements similar to the old premises, for instance, the rails.

It covers 28,000m2 and has two areas linked by a conical atrium and a central aisle 330 m long which displays models of the machinery used in sugar cane processing.