The Antequera Dolmens Site in Spain is older than the Egyptian Pyramids!
These megalithic monuments are on the very outskirts of the town of Antequera, and are over 6,000 years old! That’s older than the pyramids! As you approach the site, the landscape is flat with the huge limestone rock of La Peña de los Enamorados, or “The Lovers’ Rock” standing out in the distance. You won’t miss it, as it looks freakishly like a face. This rock makes up part of this UNESCO site as it was considered sacred when the monuments were built. Subsequently you can you see the rock even when you are stood deep within the monuments.
What UNESCO Say:
“These three tombs, buried beneath their original earth tumuli, are one of the most remarkable architectural works of European prehistory and one of the most important examples of European Megalithism.”
There are two sites to visit
Menga and El Romeral, are approximately a 3 minute drive from one another.
What’s in Antequera?
There are two locations within a very short drive of each other that make up this UNESCO site. They are Menga and Viera and El Romeral. I would recommend starting at the Menga and Viera location. The visitor centre is located here with a video displaying how people built the site all those years ago. It’s worth watching this video as there is no information about the sites after you leave the visitor centre.
Menga and Viera
At this first site there is a small ticket office which shows a video of how the megalithic people would have constructed the chambers. This video really did highlight the level of creative genius this site represents.
Once you get you visit the visitors centre, you walk up a gravel path to visit the two chambers.
El Romeral
This site features a false cupola(that’s the rounded dome roof) which highlights the high level of detail that went into the architectural planning of the site.
Where to eat in Antequera
As our ultimate destination was Granada, we opted to have lunch in the town of Archidona en route. There was not much open in this town on a Sunday. So I would recommend staying in Antequera if you are visiting on a Sunday.
Where is Antquera
Antequera is in between Malaga and Granada. If you are visiting Antequera, you should visit the Alhambra, Granada too. You can either drive between the two sites or take the train.
When is the UNESCO Site of Antequera Open?
The Antequera Dolmens site is open every day except for Mondays. Entrance to the sites is free.
Best Guidebook for Travelling to Antequera
Lonely Planet Guide, Spain
As is often the case with UNESCO World Heritage sites, there is not a dedicated guide that you can easily buy online. However if you are travelling to the area and are visiting other areas in Spain such as Granada, Seville, Malaga or Cordoba then this Lonely Planet guidebook on Spain is what I would recommend purchasing.
