Antequera is one of the most historic cities in Andalusia. Over the centuries, Romans, Moors, and Christians have all left their mark on the city. As a result, you’ll find a unique mix of architecture, churches, palaces, and ancient city walls here.

What makes Antequera even more attractive:

• its central location in Andalusia
• UNESCO Worldheritage
• the impressive nature surrounding the city
• its authentic Spanish atmosphere
• less touristy than Málaga, Granada, or Seville

The Alcazaba of Antequera

The city’s most striking spot is absolutely the Alcazaba. This Moorish fortress towers over the city. To reach the fortress, follow the pretty cobbled roads uphill. From here, you will have great views over the city with its more than 30 churches and the surroundings.

What are the megalithic monuments of Antequera?

The megalithic monuments of Antequera are enormous prehistoric burial chambers that are more than 4,500 years old. They are among the most important archaeological sites in Spain. The most famous monuments are:

• Dolmen de Menga
• Dolmen de Viera
• Dolmen del Romeral

From the outside, these dolmens look like grassy hills, but inside you’ll discover impressive chambers built with gigantic stone blocks. Dolmen de Menga is especially impressive because of its enormous stone construction.

A kilometre outside the centre of Antequera is a small information centre that tells the story of the Dolmen-like structures. These are some of the largest and oldest megalithic structures in Europe. Here you can see the impressive ‘Dolmen de Menga’ and ‘Dolmen de Viera’. A third megalithic structure ‘Dolmen del Romeral’ is located five kilometres outside Antequera.

Why are the dolmens of Antequera on the UNESCO World Heritage List?

The dolmens of Antequera are unique because of:

• their exceptional age
• the enormous stone constructions
• their remarkable location in the landscape
• their connection with the surrounding mountains and nature

The monuments were deliberately aligned with Peña de los Enamorados, a striking mountain that resembles the face of a lying person. This ‘La Peña de los enamorados’, rock of lovers, has a long history.

The mountain owes its name to a legend from the Middle Ages. A Christian boy worked for a rich Moorish family. He fell in love with the daughter of the house, and she fell in love with him. It was a forbidden love. The couple decided to flee to the mountain. In doing so, they were hot on the heels of her father.

The legend ends tragically. The couple in love flees higher up the mountain. Eventually, they jumped from the highest point together. Hoping to stay together forever.

The ancestors of the builders of the megalithic monuments — but this mountain already had a rich history long before the Middle Ages. And there is still a lot of archaeological research going on. Many finds have been found. Including Bronze Age pottery and tombs.

From research, it is known that the ancestors of the builders of Dolmen de Menga lived here. Further research should explain the relationship of the Dolmen De Menga with La Peña de los enamorados.

Many visitors combine Antequera with a visit to El Torcal de Antequera. This natural area is considered one of the most beautiful nature parks in Andalusia and is famous for its spectacular limestone rock formations. In El Torcal de Antequera, you’ll find:

• beautiful hiking trails
• unique rock formations
• panoramic views
• many birds and wild life

Even if you’re not into hiking, El Torcal de Antequera is highly recommended. The drive up alone already offers fantastic views over Andalusia.