Antequera isn’t perhaps the most well-known city in Andalusia. But due to the Roman, Moorish and Spanish architectural influences, nice to visit in combination with El Torcal. A highlight just outside Antequera is the age-old megalithic structures that are on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Alcazaba

Antequera is located at the foot of the special National Park El Torcal, known for its limestone rock formations. The most prominent place in this city is definitely the Alcazaba. This Moorish fortress towers over the city. It offers a beautiful view of the city with its more than thirty churches and the surrounding area. If you look closely, you will notice a special mountain in a northeasterly direction. This mountain resembles a face lying on its side. This ‘La Peña de los enamorados’, the rock of lovers, played an important role in the megalithic structures.

“Antequera is not a big bustling city and during siesta, it might even appear a bit deserted. Therefore try to visit this city in the morning or late afternoon. “

One of Europe’s biggest and oldest megalithic structures

One kilometre outside the centre of Antequera, there is a small information centre that tells the story of the dolmen-like structures. You can admire the impressive ‘Dolmen de Menga” and ‘Dolmen de Viera’. On the outside, you only see two huge sand hills, but if you walk in you will find a beautiful room. This burial chamber is built of huge stones, carved from the rocks.

If you consider, that these structures were built more than 2500 years before Christ, you will not be surprised that they are also on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The structures look out over the Peña de los enamorados, the rock you can admire from the fortress.

A third megalithic structure ‘Dolmen del Romeral’ is located five kilometres outside Antequera.

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