The historic Andalucian town of Antequera is situated between Granada and
Seville, in the northern area of Malaga province. This advantageous position, in the centre
of Andalucia, has made it one of the most important towns in the region.
The view of the town from a distance is simply breathtaking. The Torcal mountain range provides a
stunning backdrop, whilst the abundance of church spires and the old Moorish fortress give the town
a medieval appearance. A colossal limestone
rock face, known locally as La Peña de los Enamorados or " The Lovers Leap ", overlooks
Antequera. The name derives from an old legend about two fated lovers, a Moorish girl and a Christian
man, who threw themselves off the cliff rather than give up their love affair. Beneath the town is a
rich, fertile valley, irrigated by the Guadalhorce river. The excellent soil here has made the area
one of the leading producers of olives, asparagus and cereals.
The town itself has a rich and colorful history dating back 5,000 years to the Bronze Age. It has been
settled by the Iberians, the Tartessus tribes, Phoenicians, the Carthaginians and the Romans. It was
renamed Medina de Antecaria by the Moors and was an important strategic town guarded by its impressive
fortress. In 1410 it was conquered by Don Fernando, later known as Don Fernando de Antequera. In the
19 th century the population of the town was devastated by yellow fever and
the Napoleonic invasion and it did not begin to recover until the 1830s when a prosperous textile
industry developed. There are in excess of 50 monuments and buildings marking the towns long and
varied history, including; the menga cave, viera and romeral dolmens, roman baths, a moorish castle
and gothic churches.
Today Antequera is a modern town with plenty of shops and supermarkets, as well as an established
service infrastructure including a recently built hospital on the outskirts of the town.
Places to Visit
The Dolmen Park
Antequera has the oldest group of Dolmens in Europe, of which arguably the most impressive
is the Cueva de la Menga. Built over 5000 years ago this ancient tomb housed hundreds of skeletons
in its inner chamber.
Religious Buildings
There are some 30 religious buildings in Antequera, some of the most noteworthy are :
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The Church of San Sebastián |
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The spectacular renaissance church of the Real Colegiata de Santa María de la Mayor |
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The Iglesia Real del Monasterio ( now a national monument ) |
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The gothic styled San Zoilo |
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Palacio Consistorial which was home to the Order of Padres Tercerps in the 17th & 18th Centuries |
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Convento de San Agustín |
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Convento de las Dezcalzas ( Barefoot Carmeilitas ). This convent runs a bakery where you can buy fresh pastries. To place your order simply ring the bell and
when an invisible voice says " si " say what you would like. A hidden nun then places your order on a tray which emerges from a door. |
Roman Baths
The town's Roman baths have been recently excavated and are well worth a visit.
Municipal Museum
Originally the Palace de Nájera, this beautiful baroque style building is now home
to the Municipal Museum. Situated on the Plaza del Coso Viejo the museum is open Tuesday to Friday
10:00- 13.30 and 16:00 to 18:00, Saturday 10:00 - 13:00 and Sundays and Festivals 11:00 to 13:30.
Bullfighting Museum
Situated on the Plaza de Toros the museum is open 10:00 to 13:30 on weekends and festivals.
The Pink Lagoon
The Fuente de Piedra lagoon is found on the plain of Antequera and is a popular watering hole for flamingos migrating to Africa for the winter.
El Torcal de Antequera
The stunning landscape of this natural park is the result of centuries of erosion
that have carved the limestone rock into formations individually known as
" the screw ".
Antequera Golf Course & Hotel
Antequera Golf Course is situated in the stunning Torcal Mountains approximately 650 metres
above sea level. The course is both challenging and beautiful with 200 year old olive groves lining
the holes. There are often excellent golf deals available in the summer months.
Fiestas
Holy Week
The most important Fiesta in Antequera's calendar is Holy Week. The death and resurrection
of Christ is celebrated in traditional baroque style.
Spring Feria
The spring Feria runs from the end of May to the beginning of June and includes top level bull fighting.
Real Feria
The towns main Feria is held in the month of August and also includes bull fighting.
Tapas and Cuisine
Antequera is famous for two very popular dishes, Porra Antequerana and Bienmesaba. Porra
Antequerana is a type of gazpacho made from bread, tomatoes and peppers. Bienmesaba, which means " good taste ", is a delicious desert made
of egg whites and syrup. Two other local specialties are Molletes, bread rolls generally eaten for
breakfast with olive oil or meat, and Mantecados which are cookie like treats eaten at Christmas.
Tapa was introduced many years ago by a Spanish king in an attempt to sober up his workforce. Most
workers traditionally went to taverns every night where they consumed lots of alcohol which ultimately
had a detrimental effect on their performance at work. On the Kings orders Tapas, initially slices
of sausage or meat, were given to the workers with every glass of alcohol. It seemed to have the
desired effect. Today Antequera is renowned for is wide range of tapa including sausages, fried
aubergene, potato stews as well as tasty rice based dishes. |
