Antequera, Andalucia, Spain

Antequera is one of the great historic towns built on the banks of the Guadalhorce and is on a par with the more widely known tourist town of Ronda. The privileged situation of Antequera, in the geographical centre of Andalucia, has made it one of the most important towns between upper and lower Andalucia, Granada and Seville. With a population of approximately 40,000 people, this busy market town was strategically important first as a Roman Anticaria and later as a Moorish border fortress defending Granada.
although it is very popular with tourists, unlike towns and villages such as Mijas, Ronda, Frigiliana and Competa, Antequera's distance from the coast discounts it from the day trip excursions popular with tourists staying on the coast and this gives it a different feel and a certain appeal.
It boasts many beautiful examples of Spanish architecture and historical buildings including the remains of an Arab castle and part of its fortifications. Like many inland towns in Andalucia the temperature can get very hot between July and early September so if you are planning to walk around for the day, be careful to drink plenty of water.

The Muslim castle, the Alcazaba overlooks the town and from here you can see the area just as the Muslim guards did many hundreds of years ago. The approach to the castle is through a beautifully preserved archway, the Arco de los Gigantes built in 1585. From the Alcazaba you can visit the Torre del Homenaje with free admission and just below here you can see the Plaza Santa Maria. On the plaza is the Colegiate de Santa Maria la Mayor. Built in the 16th Century this church which is one of 32 churches in Antequera displays beautiful examples of Renaissance facades. Next to the church is the excavated site of some Roman baths. Another church which should be high on your visit list should be the Iglesia de Carmen, situated on the Plaza del Carmen. This church is perhaps the finest in Andalucia with some amazing sculptures appealing to anyone with a taste for fine architecture.
There are many attractive bars and restaurants in the centre with a pleasant cultured atmosphere. Shopping in Antequera is very good. Many shops and Supermarkets can be found in the streets of this enchanting town. All amenities of a modern town are available. A new large Hospital on the outskirts was built only a few years ago.
El Torcal Park Nature Reserve is located just a short drive away towards the village of Villanueva de la Concepcion and is well worth a visit. Within El Torcal Park's 17 square kilometers are some of the most beautiful and impressive limestone landscapes in Europe.