Antequera is located deep in the heart of the vast Andalusian
soil, "The city of white and gongorian churches", was how Gerado
Diego´s described it. Sheltered alongside the famous sierra,
"El Torcal de Antequera", to the South with the edge of its houses leaning
towards the green sea of wide vega in the other directions. Antequera
is a city rich in ancient history and of monuments erected over many
centuries.
Dolmenic Complex
The city of Antequera has Europe's most important megalithic
complex, the Menga dolmen being the most ancient. The group is completed
by those of Viera and El Romeral. The latter has a primitive false
dome. Impressive stone blocks were transported from the Veracruz
quarry to form these initial architectural manifestations of man
kind.
Golden Age
Having endured Roman, Goth and Arab ruling (civilizations
which left their mark), Antequera saw its most flourishing period after
the Christian conquest in 1410. Its Renaissance and Baroque periods
formed its "golden age". The city became an important economic center
and a stage for commercial development. This is fundamental its characteristic
as a "crossroads" which today is maintained in all its vitality.
It is a city that has attracted the presence through the ages of both the
nobility and important religious orders within its walls leaving a testament
of churches, convents and ancestral homes for the present and future generations
to enjoy.
Churches and Convents
Perhaps the most the most notable of Antequera´s
religious architecture are the Real Colegiata of Santa María la
Mayor and the church of San Sebastian, both build during the Renaissance
period as were San Juan and San Pedro. From the Baroque period the
churches of El Carmen, Los Remedios, Santiago, Madre de Dios, San José
(Descalzas), Belén and San Juan de Dios are worthy of mention.
The social and economic development of the city reached high levels during
the Renaissance and Baroque epoch and it became a "conventual city" in
character. Numerous religious orders established their convents inhabited
by friars and nuns. Worthy of mention are those of the Carmelitas
(Descalzas and Calzadas), Mímas, Clarisas, Dominicas and Agustinas.
Notable monasteries are the Gothic San Zoilo which was found by the Catholic
Monarchs in the year 1500. The church of the royal monastery (San
Francisco) is a national monument. The Consistorial Palace was in
its day a convent for the "Padres Terceros" (XV11 and XV111 centuries).
Another singular building is the convent of San Agustin, the church part
being built between the XV1 to XV111 centuries.
Ancestral Homes
The nobility settled in Antequera during the Renaissance
and the Baroque period building numerous palaces of which many remain today.
One of the most noteworthy is the Palace of Nájera (now the municipal
museum) and those in the street of Cantareros, Tercia, Laguna and Lucena,
all of which are in the Baroque style. Remarkable examples are the
house of the marquis of La Peña; that of the Marchioness of Las
Escalonias (noted for its Mannerist facade); that of the Colarte Family
(now the Museum of the Provincial Deputation); that of the Barón
of Sabasona (one of the most original examples of the "framed facade"
characteristic of Antequera), that of the Marquis of Villadarias (a three-bodied
facade in red stone from El Torcal and finally that of the Count of Pinofiel
(one of the best preserved Baroque buildings in Antequera).
Popular Fairs
The first of these occurs in Holy Week (Semana Santa)
and this is one of the most established and traditional to be found in
Andalusia. After this religious festival the next is held at the
end of May and the beginning of June and is known as the Spring Fair followed
by the Royal Fair held in August that attracts visitors from throughout
other parts of Andalusia. Important bullfights are celebrated at
both of the latter events.
Gastronomy
Antequera has in its gastronomical heritage two plates
of original creation and specially appreciated outside the municipality.
They are "porra" eaten during the summer and made out of bread, tomatoes,
peppers and other ingredients and the dessert "bienmesabe" which tranlated
means good taste which says it all. "Mollete" a bread roll
is the official breakfast normally eaten with olive oil,
for which Antequera is famous for. The "mantecados" and "alfajores"
of artisanal elaboration are indispensable during the Christmas festivities
but are enjoyed thoughout
the year.
One of the nicest places to enjoy your morning "cafe o
chocalate y chorros" is La Fuerzawhich
has a unique
ambience. Looking for a reasonably priced lunch
then try Restaurante Dolmenes where the "menu del dia"
is € 6 per person.
El Torcal
Nature has conferred Antequera with innumerable features,
its most outstanding "The Torcal" which houses millions of forms moulded
out of the erosion of an immense base of calcareous rock. The visitor
to it is greated by a dreamlike and surreal landscape allowing him to see
different figures modelled in the stone. The richness of fauna and
flora of the "Torcal de Antequera" makes these a unique natural experience
in Europe.
Cultural Heritage
Antequera´s heritage is not only confined to historical,
architectural and natural, but also cultural. The city acquired literay
importance during the XVI and XVII centuries (Golden) XIX (Romanticism)
and the present day. The most important of these was the first when the
Real Colegiata of Santa María was built. A Professorship of
Grammer was created and outstanding tutors lectured there. As a result
an outstanding group of Poets emerged lead by Pedro Espinosa.
Thanks for putting such a useful
site on the Web! I would really
appreciate it if you could include
our information at your site.
Juan Carlos Rojas
Costa
Del Sol Tourist Board
e-mail to www.itccommunications.net
dated - 22:04:03
tourist office - 34 95
2702505
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