Top 6 things to do in Antequera

In the heart of Málaga lies a town called Antequera. A city in the southern Mediterranean, if you ask a tourist who has already been there how to describe this region close to the cities of Granada and Seville, he or she will almost certainly reply “Town of bricklayers”! And yes, Antequera is known for being home to numerous buildings and edifices from different eras. It’s a bit like wandering around an open-air museum, where you can learn all sorts of things. The town’s history has had many twists and turns, and (according to expert excavations) seems to have begun in the Neolithic period around 5500 BC. Subsequently, the town was much coveted, particularly for its fertile land, but it was the Romans who first settled here in the 1st century BC. If you’re planning a trip to this historic city, here are the top six things to do.

What to do in Antequera

1. Real Colegiata de Santa Maria La Mayor

Category: €/Culture

Description: The first thing to bear in mind when visiting the Real Colegiata de Santa Maria La Mayor is that it is one of the first Renaissance buildings in the whole of Andalusia. As a result, it is a unique and precious place, which is the pride of the local people and attracts a large number of visitors every year. The Royal Collegiate Church of Santa Maria del Fore is easily recognisable thanks to its façade, built using ashlar from the Roman city of Singilia. Construction began in 1514 and was completed in 1550, and it was the Bishop of Málaga himself who took the initiative in building this immense edifice. For those in the know, it will be easy to spot the various Gothic-style elements that have been added over time, which blend in perfectly with the Renaissance style of the temple: however, there are hardly any ornaments or altarpieces left, and it is now a venue for concerts and various exhibitions.

2. The Dolmens of Antequera

Category: €€/Cultural

Description: The town of Antequera is famous for a very special reason: it is one of the only towns in the world to have preserved ancient dolmens that are still in excellent condition. You won’t be able to miss them: they stand on the edge of the town and are thought to have been built between 4,000 and 5,500 years ago. The 3 dolmens you’ll have the chance to visit are made from megalithic structures that look like a natural landscape, covered in earth. It’s easy to get confused. The oldest of the dolmens, which is also the most visited, is that of Menga: the earth covering it is 50 metres thick. Menga forms a funerary chamber preceded by a corridor that has been aligned with the so-called “lovers’ rock”. It’s just over 3 metres high, so unless you’re 4 metres tall (which would be amazing ^^) you won’t have any trouble getting in.

3. Visit the historic centre and go to the Iglesia Parroquia San Sebastian

Category: €€/Cultural/Gastronomic

Description: A visit to Antequera wouldn’t be complete without a trip to its historic centre, where you can get lost and wander through the narrow cobbled streets. Here’s a “soft” activity that will help you discover the town from top to bottom. And don’t they say that “walking digs”? You can stop off on the terrace of a cosy restaurant to sample one of Antequera’s secret local specialities. Treat yourself! Afterwards, why not round off the day with a visit to the famous Iglesia Parroquia San Sebastian right in the middle of the historic centre? Built in the 16th century, this parish church attracts many visitors, not least for its architecture: its 3 naves are separated by Ionic columns and cruciform pillars. The interior also features two splendid Baroque organs, wooden seats and a number of works of art.

4. Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Remidos

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Category: Free-/Cultural

Description: We continue our journey with another ancient and historic monument in the town of Antequera. The famous Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Remidos is impossible to miss. It has also been declared a national historic and artistic monument. It is located right in the centre of the town and in French means “Church of Our Lady of Remedies”. Built in the 17th century, it’s amazing how well preserved the temple is: the works of art lie like diamonds and the half barrel vault is absolutely remarkable. But one of the major pieces that amazes visitors every time is undoubtedly the sculpture of the Virgin of Remedies. This is enthroned in the temple, rather like the mistress of the place. The Iglesia Nuestra Señora de los Remidos also conceals a splendid dome and an extraordinary high altar. Everything is so well preserved that it’s hard to believe this monument was built centuries ago.

5. El Torcal de Antequera

Category: €€/Cultural/Insolite

Description: The Antequera park is one of the city’s most recent innovations. Built in 1989, it was designed to protect the beautiful Torcal nature reserve as much as possible. Wondering why this area is so precious? Well, it’s because of its outstanding geomorphology (a field of science with a particular interest in the history, formation and nature of the earth’s surface) and the diversity of its flora and fauna. And it’s no great surprise that the site has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best way to get there is to opt for the 4.5-kilometre hike. It’s a simple walk that anyone can do, and it’s also a great way to get a breath of fresh air while enjoying the scenery. Sports enthusiasts and adventurers will be delighted!

6. Convento de Belen

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Category: €/Cultural

Description: We end this little diversions around the town of Antequera with a visit to the Convento de Belen. Still very active in the town, it is home to the Poor Clare sisters who work in a variety of crafts. Many visitors say that their recipe for a small shortbread biscuit called “mantecados” is one of their greatest discoveries in Antequera. Yummy! However, to return to the convent of Belen, it boasts some superb Baroque-style plasterwork, giving it a refinement all of its own. The choir catches the eye with its large, imposing 17th-century painting: “The Adoration of the Shepherds”. It’s a unique place that arouses curiosity and admiration from the moment you enter, so magnetic and attractive is its aura.