Antequera is a historic city located in the heart of Andalusia. It has a rich cultural heritage that dates back thousands of years, with influences from the prehistoric, Roman, Moorish, and Christian periods.
The city is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, including the Torcal de Antequera natural park, which is famous for its unique rock formations. Antequera is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the Dolmens of Antequera, which are prehistoric burial chambers, and the Alcazaba, a Moorish castle that sits atop a hill overlooking the city.
Close to the road joining Seville with Granada, a historically important route in Andalucia, travelers will come across a rock formation outside Antequera on the Archidona side of the city with the look of a human face staring up into the heavens. The Peña de los Enamorados (Lover’s Rock) – Antequera
A guided walking tour in Antequera
Known the Peña de los Enamorados, or in English either “Lover’s Rock” or “Lover’s Leap”, the rock has been immortalized by the likes of Cervantes, Washington Irving, and Lorenzo Valla to name just a few. The rock dominates the horizon and due to the legend of the “doomed lovers” has become an instantly recognizable symbol of the city.
Originally part of a Roman citadel, the Alcazaba of Antequera has been an important fortress and community centre for well over 8000 years as can be appreciated from the Dolmen structures situated just 2km away.
Excavations around the hill containing the fortress show several Roman ruins that are under investigation, including tombs and the Roman baths. During the Visigothic era some of the Roman walls were modified, but little of the Visigothic period remain that is visible to the eye. In the 11th century Antequera became a minor caliphate (taifa) and the beginnings of the current Alcazaba were started, including the overall geometry.
Antequera, a populous inland city in the Malaga province, has a rich history of occupation dating back nearly as far as Ronda. However, its archaeological history is distinct, with its most notable assets being the three UNESCO World Heritage neolithic dolmen structures. These impressive structures were built by farming communities approximately 6,500 years ago and are each unique in size and features.
Two of the dolmens sit side by side, while the third is located about four kilometers outside of town. Despite their differences, all three structures offer a fascinating glimpse into the lives and practices of the ancient peoples who constructed them.
All in all, Ronda is the great place to stay for a night or two if your holiday plans include seeing the Alhambra, the Mezquita, Malaga’s Picasso Museum, the Caminito del Rey (El Chorro), or the annual Jerez Horse Fair.
