Antequera

ANTEQUERA. The ancient town of Antequera dates back almost 5,000 years, evident in the many Iberian burial mounds and dolmens, (tombs) the Romans, Moors and Christian settlers also left their mark seen in the many churches, Roman baths, Renaissance fountains and Baroque bell towers. Surrounding the town are rich farmlands that in summer are ablaze with bright orange sunflowers, watered by the River Guadalhorce. Overlooking the town is a huge crag of limestone, 880 meters high, called La Peña de Los Enamorados, or "The Cliff of the Lovers." The name is thought to come from a local legend about an impossible love between a young Christian man from Antequera and a beautiful Moorish girl from nearby Archidona, driven to the top of the cliff by Moorish soldiers, the lovers chose to plunge into the abyss rather than renounce their love.

PLACES OF INTEREST.

CUEVA.DE LA MENGA. The most impressive of the megalithic tombs constructed from huge slabs of rock they date back 5,000 years,

THE ROMAN BATHS.

SANTA MARIA LA MAYOR CHURCH. A magnificent example of a Renaissance church.

The Church of NUESTRA SENORA DEL CARMAN.

THE 9th century BULLRING.

THE ARCH OF THE GIANTS. Construct in 1585, and leads to the 13th century Moorish castle.

THE CONVENTO DE LAS DESCALZAS. The convent is dedicated to the Barefoot Carmelitas. You will find a heavy wooden entrance door, leading to a small counter next to a revolving wooden door displaying products for sale and the prices of each item. Pull the rope and a bell will ring, then you will hear a woman's voice asking "Sí" (yes) you then give your order and place the money on the tray. The hidden nun will spin the tray around, take the money and spin the tray back around emerging through the door with your purchases.