Although I have been to Antequera many times. It has taken a while to actually discover everything that this Malaga town has to offer.
In November 2017 I revisited Antequera to see the Alcazaba which I not be able to visit before.
Now I have actually see all the main sights, so I´m sharing my findings to help you plan you visit.
A weekend in Antequera
Antequera is located in the middle of Andalucia. Surrounded by countryside this makes a perfect weekend getaway to explore inland.
With plenty of grand churches, interesting hikes and fabulous local food. 48h is the ideal amount of time to spend here.
Alcazaba de Antequera
The 14th century Fortress sits high above Antequera but the walk up is actually doable. One stepped street from the centre of the old town and you are almost there. (of course this is not recommended at the hottest times of the year, July-August)
As you may know Medieval Fortresses appear in other Andalucian cities. Locations as Granada, Almeria or Malaga all have their Alcazaba.
However the Antequera one is the largest one in Spain. (Gibraltar also an important Alcazaba, la calahorra)
Built in 1582 the Homenaje tower is the most important part of the fortress.
From above you can see across the landscape and over the town.
The Giants Archway (Arco de los Gigantes) is also pretty impressive just outside the Alcazaba. Built in 1585, it takes its name from large sculptures that once stood here.
Topped with a Vase of Flowers, a Lion and the city coat of arms, this gateway opens towards the Colegiate Church of Santa Maria and the Alcazaba entrance.
It also frames it rather nicely too.
Santa Maria Mayor Church
This imposing building just below the Alcazaba was the first renaissance style church to be built in Andalucía.
Completed in 1550 the facade is very impressive and inside you can see an audiovisual show which explains some of the history of this builiding.
Find out more about the visit with Tu Historia
You can also see an old Tarasca figure. A typical symbol in some festivals around Spain.
The curious figure is half dragon and half woman.
Just outside the church there is a balcony looking out over the landscape. On this site next to the church are ruins of old baths
Discovered in 1988 this site was from the 1st century. Used as a Thermal spa open to the Public at the time.
A Walk in the Old Town
As I wandered through the main streets of Antequera I saw this fabulous church tower.
Named in Spanish as the Colegiata de San Sebastian it´s tower is really ornate. Built in the 1540s I couldn´t help taking a few photos of this eyecatching spire.
Antequera is known as the town of churches.
With 33 churches in this location, there are more churches per person than anywhere else in Spain.
Antequera Musuem
The City Museum in Antequera (MVCA) is right at the centre of the old town.
Set inside the Najera Palace. The Museum of Antequera site is worth seeing just for the stunning architecture of the palace.
Built in the 18th Century as a palatial home this dome on one of the staircases caught my eye.
The museum offers interesting exhibits from different ages of Antequera.
Roman sculptures and religious art from the region.
The Indian on the Horizon
As you drive towards Antequera you notice this imposing rock on the horizon.
Shaped like someones face viewed from one side this is called the Peña de los Enamorados in Spanish. They also call it the Montaña del Indio due to its resemblance of a Native Indian Mans face.
This has an important landmark for very long time.
One of the Dolmens faces this rock, rather than the direction of the sunrise so even all those ages ago it was important.
Peña de los Enamorados
It has a legend association to it:
A beautiful muslim girl named Tagzona was promised to the ruler of the Alhama Castle. However she was already in love with a Christian man from Antequera.
While visiting soldiers in prison she had helped him to escape. They ran away together but were followed by Moorish soldiers.
When they reached the top of this limestone rock, instead of being captured, they threw themselves off the 800 metres drop holding hands until the bitter end.
The Lovers Rock
This romantic tale also inspired the 18th century poem by Robert Southney
here is an excerpt…
| The Moorish chief, unmoved could see His daughter bend the suppliant knee; He heard his child for pardon plead, And swore the Christian slave should bleed. He bade the archers bend the bow, The archers aim’d their arrows there, He clasp’d her close and groan’d farewell, And side by side they there are laid, Yet every Murcian maid can tell |
Hiking the Torcal
This curious park close to Antequera is full of strange geological shapes.
When you get up to the Torcal of Antequera it can be cooler and misty. There can even be thick fog.
Despite it being warmer or sunnier in the town, in this region weather can change quickly so take layers if you plan to visit.
Torcal de Antequera
There is a visitors centre and car park as you arrive to the main entrance to thepark.
Here there is a good café serving hot food and also a small shop.
If you plan to hike one of the different routes around the Torcal, get the detailed information that you need to plan your visit.
Some of the routes are Self Guided, public trails and others can only be done with a guide.
As this is a protected space and a UNESCO World Heritage site it is important to protect and respect the park.
Enjoy seeing shapes in the different rock formations and spòtting fossils such as this ammonite along the way.
Dolmens of Antequera
The Dolmens of Antequera are a fascinating discovery. There are three to visit, El Romeral, Menga and Viera.
The Tholos de Romeral seen here is located on the other side of the town. You can drive to see the Romeral site. It´s just a short distance from one to the other.
This was built 1800 BC and was a megalithic burial site. As with the other two you can actually go inside and see it for yourself.
I find it fascinating after all these centuries that we can still see this now.
Dolmen de Menga
The wonderful thing about visiting the Dolmens in Antequera is seeing the difference betwee the three constructions.
The Menga Dolmen (seen below) was built in the 3rd millennium BCE. It is one of the largest known megalithic structures in Europe
UNESCO World Heritage
Since being included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites this area is busier than it was before.
I would plan my trip first thing in the morning if possible before the crowds arrive.
The Antequera Dolmens are outside so be sure to wear sun cream and good footwear for the visit.
Food in Antequera
As with most locations in Andalusia the food in the region is excellent.
Local delicacies specific to Antequera are the Mollete de Antequera. A flatbread which taste wonderful with local Olive Oil drizzled on top.
The Porra Antequerana may look like Salmorejo, a thick chilled tomato puree however but the ingredients do vary. Porra has bread in the mixtur, it is very thick and filling.
This dish is good for warmer days when you need to eat something filling but temperatures are high.
Also look out for the biscuits and pastries from La Antequerana a local bakery that sells it´s treats across Spain.
Especially around Easter and Christmastime.
Where to Eat in Antequera
On my different visits to Antequera I have eaten at several different places.
- Arte de Cozina – This well known restaurant has a tapas bar, restaurant and a small hotel on the first floor too. The restaurant is excellent and some historic recipes have even been recovered by the caring chef Charo Carmona. Set in a historic building the Coso de San Francisco, it is a charming setting to enjoy a good meal. It does get very busy, so book ahead. Located at Calle Calzada, 27 (public parking opposite)
- Restaurante Leila – This central location in the old town offers great fish dishes as well as morrocan style food. The Pastela Moruna was excellent as were the aubergines in honey. Find it on Plaza San Sebastián, 1,
- Restaurante Reina – This traditional restaurant on Calle San Agustín gets quite busy at weekends with family groups. The portion sizes were very generous here. The variety of fish, meat and other dishes was quite overwhelming so something for everyone.
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