Romantic Antequera: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

The stone tombs at the UNESCO-listed Antequera Dolmens Site put Antequera on the tourist map. But there are plenty of other reasons to visit this charming Andalucían city. On this walking tour, you‘ll learn how Muslims and Christians battled for control of this strategic stronghold at the crossroads of Andalucía. You’ll also discover why it had romantic appeal for visitors like writer Washington Irving, who was in search of the legendary Spain of ‘ballad and chronicle‘. The tour starts in Plaza Coso Viejo. From there, you‘ll wind your way up to the Arco de los Gigantes and the Alcazaba de Antequera citadel. As you explore, you‘ll find out how Ferdinand of Antequera changed the city‘s destiny, and discover picturesque legacies of the city‘s Moorish past. The final part of the tour will take you through the district the Christians built in the 15 to 1700s. By the end of this tour in Plaza de San Sebastian, you‘ll understand why Antequera really is at the heart of Andalucía.

1. 1

   Plaza Coso Viejo

   Pass by

   We'll start our tour in Plaza Coso Viejo, by the statue of Ferdinand of Antequera. From here we will make our way up to the Alcazaba on the hill above us.

2. 2

   Municipal Museum of Antequera

   Pass by

   We'll pass by the Museum of Antequera, housed in a lovely mansion from the 1700s. However, entry to the museum is not included.

3. 3

   Arco de Los Gigantes

   Pass by

   We'll pass through the Arco de los Gigantes, named after the statues that used to adorn it. This impressive arch takes us into what used to be the walled town in Muslim times.

4. 4

   Alcazaba de Antequera

   Pass by

   We'll pass the Alcazaba, the imposing medieval citadel of Antequera. Please note that entry to the Alcazaba is not included in the tour.

5. 5

   Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor

   Pass by

   We'll pass by the deconsecrated church of Santa Maria la Mayor, built in the Renaissance style. Entry to the church is not included in this tour.

6. 6

   Portichuelo Chapel - Virgen del socorro chapel.

   Pass by

   We'll pass by the distinctive porticoed chapel of El Portichuelo. You'll find out how it is related to the town's Holy Week processions.

7. 7

   Iglesia de Santa Maria de Jesus

   Pass by

   We'll pass by the Renaissance Church of Santa María de Jesús. Please note, entry to the church is not included in the tour.

8. 8

   El Carmen Church

   Pass by

   We'll pass by the Iglesia del Carmen, whose sombre Renaissance facade hides an exuberant Baroque interior. However, entry to the church is not included in this tour.

9. 9

   Museo de las Descalzas

   Pass by

   We'll pass by the Museo de las Descalzas in the beautiful convent of the Discalced Carmelites. Please note that entry to the museum is not included in the tour.

10. 10

    Museo De Arte De La Diputacion. MAD. Antequera

    Pass by

    We'll pass close to the MAD museum of modern and contemporary art. Entry to the museum is free.

11. 11

    Homenaje a los antiqiries

    Pass by

    We'll pass by the monument to the Muslims forced to leave the town after its conquest to the Christians. Most of the exiles from Antequera eventually settled in Granada.

12. 12

    Iglesia de San Sebastian

    Pass by

    We'll finish our tour outside the Church of Saint Sebastian with its magnificent tower. Entry to the church is free.

• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.