Antequera and its surroundings, the perfect place to spend a long weekend, especially this one.
The city's heritage will keep us busy for several days.
Visiting the three impressive megalithic constructions, the Menga Dolmen, the Viera Dolmen, and the El Romeral Tholos, is a perfect start, as this complex, considered one of the best in Europe, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2016. If their architecture is moving, so are many other facts that characterize them. To discover them in detail, you can take a tour of the Dolmens and El Torcal or a tour of the Dolmens by minibus.
In the upper part of the city, the Alcazaba and the Old Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor tell us about the Muslim presence as well as the 16th and 17th centuries, the Renaissance, the Golden Age… In this area, you will also find the beautiful Tribuna Chapel, known as El Portichuelo, a Baroque building from the early 18th century.
Head down to what is now the city center to soak up the Baroque atmosphere, not only because of the number of religious monuments but also because of the stately homes and palaces such as the Palacio de Nájera. The City Museum (MVCA) tells the story of Antequera from prehistory to the present day, with a remarkable exhibition on the Roman period and jewelry, including some very important images from the city. It is one of the best municipal museums in Andalusia.
Other museums to enjoy include the Conventual Museum of Las Descalzas or, located in another 18th-century house (Casa de los Colarte), the MAD, Museum of the Provincial Council of Malaga.
Since we have several days ahead of us, it's time to delve into the most spectacular Baroque churches. It's always a good idea to visit the tourist office, where they will provide you with updated opening hours to help you make the most of your time, as many are only open for a few hours a day or a week, especially during long weekends.
Noteworthy for their altarpieces, plasterwork, coffered ceilings, etc. are the Church of El Carmen (a National Monument), the Church of Los Remedios, the Church of Belén, and the Church of San Juan de Dios. The churches of Santo Domingo, San Agustín, and San Francisco are also very interesting, but there are many more to discover.
If you want to discover the details of Antequera's history and its monuments, the best way to do so is undoubtedly with a guided tour.
After this immersion in history, a getaway into nature is a must. El Torcal, 14 km away, awaits us. It is the most important karst landscape in Europe and never fails to amaze with its surprising limestone formations.
Replenishing your energy after a hike in El Torcal will be easy, as Antequera boasts a wealth of culinary delights, including mollete bread (PGI, Protected Geographical Indication), vegetables, porra soup, extra virgin olive oil, bienmesabe cake… and at this time of year, mantecados, polvorones, and alfajores cookies, all made in the city's convents and bakeries.
Not sure where to eat in Antequera? Here are some recommendations.
In addition to the visits you can make during the December long weekend in Antequera, below is a detailed calendar of events.
On Sunday the 4th, residents of the San Juan neighborhood will enjoy the Romería de la Virgen de la Cabeza pilgrimage.
On Monday the 5th, the Christmas lights will be switched on at 8:30 p.m. in Plaza de Fernández Viagas.
On Tuesday, December 6, at 12 noon in the area between Alameda de Andalucía Street and Plaza de Toros, there will be a parade and celebration of Constitution Day.
Starting on Saturday the 3rd and continuing through January, many exhibitions will open their doors:
In Santa María la Mayor "La tierra del anillo" (The Land of the Ring), in the Church of San Francisco, a monumental plasticine nativity scene, in the San Juan de Dios building, the 25th City of Antequera Painting Competition and the 2nd School Painting Competition (the courtyard of the San Zoilo municipal library will also host part of this exhibition). From the 5th onwards, the Town Hall exhibition hall will be the venue for "Academic Brushstrokes of Antequera."
Under the slogan "Antequera is Christmas," there are many more activities, workshops for the whole family, sporting events… the complete list can be found on the city council's website or here.
If you have any days left to enjoy in the Antequera area, the always impressive Caminito del Rey is only a 40-minute drive away, and the Fuente de Piedra salt lake, where you can see flamingos and dozens of other bird species, is about 20 minutes away. The neighboring village of Archidona is another place to stroll around, climb up to the Virgen de Gracia chapel and, on the way down, have a drink in its beautiful Plaza Ochavada.
Those of us who love our city always hope that after these few days, Antequera will remain in your memory as one of the most beautiful and interesting cities. Perhaps you will decide to return, or tell your family and friends about it, so that they too can discover it…
