Antequera
"Malaga and the Costa del Sol may be less than half-an-hour's drive away to the south, but the unique town of Antequera feels a world away from the excesses of the kiss-me-quick coast, and provides one of the region's historical and architectural showpieces. Nestled among steep, rugged, mountain peaks, with a perfectly preserved ancient centre and some world-class prehistoric sites". Time Out Andalucia
This is a great day out, so much to see, do and experience. Here are our top things to do iin Antequera.
Arcos de los Gigantes is located in the oldest part of town. This imposing truimphal arch was built in 1585 and is decorated with Roman sculptures, tableaux and fragments. Known as Spain's oldest (and smallest) open air museum.
The Alcazbra is located via a stone stairway from the Arcos de los Gigantes and was once a great defensive fortress, now reduced to a collection of restored exterior walls which incorporate a lovely garden. Fantastic views over the town.
Antequera's historical wealth means that it possesses a large number of churches:
Real Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor. The exterior set against mountain scenery, is notable for its elegant early Renaissance facade.
El Carmen. The stunning elaborate late-baroque interior.
San Sebastian. Two outstanding statues.
Plus another.............28 to go, too many for our website!
The highlight of Antequera are three neolithic dolmens (burial chambers). These rate as some of the most prehistoric remains in Spain. The largest and oldest, Dolken de Viera and Dolmen de Menga are only a short distance from the centre. The menga dolmen is roughly 4,500 years old and consists of a huge underground gallery lined with 32 vertical stone slabs, the largest of which weighs 180 tonnes! The Viera dolmen has a long narrow tunnel leading to a small burial chamber. The third dolmen, El Romeral, is the most sophisticated, with two domed brick chambers. Well worth a visit.
Total driving time from Finca Leria: 40 minutes