October 23, 2015
Approaching Antequera on the bus from Málaga we thought “Oh no this is just a big boring country town”. But as we topped the ridge on the outskirts we realized that it was something special.

There are over 50 well preserved religious and secular buildings from the glory days of the 16th and 17th centuries in a small center dominated by the Alcazaba (Fortress-Palace) of the Moorish era. Then there are Europe’s largest Dolmens from the Neolithic period, about 5000 years ago, on the edge of town.

Surprisingly, especially considering the proximity of the Costa del Sol, there are few tourists. I’ve included photos (without captions) that illustrate the variety of architectural styles.

Antequera

Delicious almond biscuits - how to choose - just get a box of all of them!

Alcazaba (Fortress-Palace) occupied by the Moors until 1410

Porra antequerana - tomatoes, bread, oil, salt, peppers, eggs, ham and garlic

Cochinilla - roast suckling pig leg

Bit disappointed in the tapas here, but the wild mushroom was great

A 5,000 yo Dolmen lies under this mound on the edge of town

Inside the Menga Dolmen - the largest stone weights 180 tonnes - and where ...

... on the summer solstice the sun shines over the Peña de los Enamorados (Lovers Rock) and straight into the dolmen's entrance