A most unusual example of Andalusian Baroque that is considered one of the most beautiful convents in Spain. It was designed by the architect Cristobal Garcîa and built between 1747 and 1761. No...
Few places can boast of having a historical and cultural heritage as rich as that of Antequera. Deep in the heat of Andalusia, this city is host to over fifty monuments and archaeological sites of extraordinary importance.
To walk around Antequera is to go back in time. A glorious history that has left its mark in stately homes, churches and convents of the most varied styles, a Muslim fortress and a prehistoric ensemble that has been declared a World Heritage Site. The municipality also has one of the most astounding natural parks in the province of Malaga and in the whole of Spain, El Torcal.
In addition to all of these riches, Antequera is also a transport hub that connects the region with the rest of Andalusia (here you can find the old route taken by Washington Irving, the American romantic author and traveller). Today it also has a high-speed train station in the greater municipal area. To sum up, it is has all of the facilities that the most demanding tourist could wish for. Antequera Golf Club, for instance, offers state-of-the-art facilities.
MUST-SEE SIGHTS IN ANTEQUERA
MONUMENTS AND BUILDINGS
The Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor is the most emblematic religious building in Antequera. It was built in the 16th century and is considered Andalusia's foremost example of Renaissance architecture.
Dating back to the same period is the Colegiata de San Sebastián, with its unique blend of styles, the churches of San Juan, Santa María de Jesús and del Carmen, as well as the Real Monasterio de San Zoilo. The last of these houses a valuable art collection.
Among the religious buildings of the 16th and 17th centuries, the most outstanding are the churches of San Miguel, Santiago, San Pedro and los Capuchinos. All of these, however, have undergone subsequent restoration. Other examples of religious art in Antequera are the churches of Nuestra Señora de Loreto and San Juan de Dios, both fine instances of the Baroque. In a similar style are the convent chapels of Belén, Madre de Dios de Monteagudo and San José.
Antequera has many convents that were founded in the period from the 16th to the 17th centuries. The most outstanding is the Convento de Santo Domingo, with its handsome mudejar crafted features. Also well worth a visit are the convents of San Agustín, La Victoria, La Trinidad, La Encarnación, Santa Eufemia and Las Catalinas.
Two chapels, known as the ""Capillas Tribuna"" and the convent of Nuestra Señora de los Remedios complete the catalogue of religious buildings in the capital of Antequera county.
Walking around the city, we can also view several 16th and 17th century stately homes. This period also saw the construction of the San Juan de Dios Hospital and El Posito (the City Granary). These are two of the most outstanding public buildings in Antequera, as well as the Plaza de Toros (Bullring), opened in 1848, and the Town Hall, built on the site formerly occupied by a convent.
Among the buildings of the local nobility is the Palace of the Marquises of la Peña de los Enamorados and the Palace of the Marquise de las Escalonias. The City Museum is housed in the Palacio de Nájera. Its prize possession is the Ephebos of Antequera, an emblematic Roman sculpture.
A legacy of the Muslim period is the Alcazaba. Although originally erected in the 11th century as part of the city walls, the Papabellotas Tower and the Torre Blanca (White Tower) were built at a later date. A walk along the barbicans' passageway takes us close to the Arco de los Gigantes (Giants' Arch) built in 1585. Just behind this is the vantage point of Mirador de las Almenillas.
Antequera also has three monumental city gates (the Granada, Estepa, and Malaga Gates), a number of archaeological sites, ten museum spaces and five exhibition rooms. The City Museum, Museo Taurino - Bullfighting Museum - and Santa Eufemia Museum are some of the most interesting ones.
The Antequera Dolmens deserve a section all to themselves, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in recognition of their spectacular quality and magnificent state of conservation. An exceptional example of megalithic construction, the Menga Dolmen is six thousand years old. It is an enormous passage tomb whose passage is formed by huge slabs of rock that lead to the burial chamber. The Viera Dolmens and El Romeral complete the prehistoric ensemble.
Image Image Known popularly as Las Catalinas, this convent, home to the nuns of the Dominican order, was founded using funds bequeathed by Francisco Padilla y Alarcón, an illustrious Antequera cleric who wrote...
Image Classified as a church, it features a main altar dominated by an enormous Baroque altarpiece with Solomon columns whose exuberance is in stark contrast to the building’s simple exterior. It is...
This viewpoint offeres magnificent views of the south of the Province of Málaga and its fascinating scenery. Everything that water unroots during heavy rains ends at the chalky rock of El Torcal in...
Image This festival has been declared to be of Tourist Interest by the Provincial Council of Málaga. Please check with the local Town Hall or Municipal Tourism Office for the festival date before...
Image "Expo Arte Cofrade" is a temporary exhibition of heritage of “Hermandades” (brotherhoods) and brotherhoods of passion and glory, mostly from the provinces of Malaga, Seville, Cordoba and...
Image This festival has been declared to be of Tourist Interest by the Provincial Council of Málaga. Please check with the local Town Hall or Municipal Tourism Office for the festival date before...
Image This restaurant, founded in 1991 is anchored in the heart of Antequera’s Vega (fertile plains), surrounded by olive groves. Special care has been paid to preserve the uncontaminated environment,...
Image UNIQUENESS Placed in the Andalusian lordly country estate from the 18th century, this restaurant is exclusive, modern and cosy. It is fully equipped with modern technology in order to provide their...
Image Antequera, monumental and ancient city, captivates all senses of its visitors. Walk through its narrow streets, stroll throuhg its white houses, enjoy its spring and August fairs... are...
Image The zone where this viewpoint is used to be the financial centre of the town until the 18th century. It can be accessed by stairs in Colegio Street, or by going through the Arco de los Gigantes and...
Image Niña de Antequera Viewpoint was built at the beginning of this century close to the Puerta de Málaga (the Arch of Málaga) and St. John's Church, with the image of Señor de la Salud y de las Aguas...
Image The viewpoint is in the Juan Carlos I, next to the Puerta de Granada (the Arch of Granada), and offers a wonderful panoramic view of the town, with some prominent buildings such as the Real...