Antequera, Andalucia - Tourist Guide

Andalucia » Antequera » Sightseeing

View over the rooftops and church
towers of Antequera
(a photo by mari_ate)

It is not surprising that the town of Antequera is a favourite destination for many Spanish and international tourists. Located in the geographical centre of Andalucia, this is the town known for the greatest number of churches of all Spanish cities. Antequera is surrounded by phenomenal natural beauty - to the south of the town can be seen the limestone rock formations in Nature Reserve of El Torcal

The blindingly white houses of Antequera are picturesquely lined down beautiful slopes, around 30 church towers raise above them and above all raises the magnificent Moorish castle Alcazaba. You can't miss the amazing church El Carmen on the pretty square Plaza del Carmen. It keeps graceful frescoes from 15-17th centuries, colourful statues and Mudejar case ceilings. But the most impressing art work in the church is the altar piece, one of the most splendid Baroque master pieces in Andalucia.

The Moorish Castle Alcazaba above
the town
(a photo by Magerit)

From Plaza del Carmen you can stroll up through the 16th century Arch of the Giants (Arcos de Los Gigantes) to the church with impressing Mudejar ceilings - Royal Collegiate Church of St. Mary Major (Real Colegiata de Santa Maria La Mayor). It is an early example of the stylish Andalusian Renaissance architecture.

From St. Mary Major, through the cultivated gardens, you can go up to the castle Alcazaba and clib the tower Torre del Homenaje where you will enjoy amazing views over the town and the surroundings. Going down to the town centre, don't miss the graceful Palacio de Najera, one of the many noble palaces here, housing the regional museum - Museo Municipal. The most precious exponent in it is the bronze statue of a boy, dating back to the 1st century AD.

El Torcal Rock Formations
(a photo by ateca)

The famous Dolmens of Antequera (Los Dolmenes de Antequera) are located outside the town, along the road to Malaga. These are megalithic stone graves dating back to the prehistoric times. They are among the finest examples of such monuments in Europe and a serious proof for a an ancient civilization of more than 4500 years, in the early Cooper Ages. The most impressing of them are the Menga, Viera and Romeral dolmens, dated consecutively 2500, 2000 and 1800 BC.

Even more ancient are the rock formation in the El Torcal Nature Reserve, 13 km south of Antequera. The reserve consists of 17 square kilometres of limestone rocks, moulded in very interesting forms by the erosion. Very well signed paths will lead you through fantastic natural scenery.