Antequera Information by Antequera.to

Antequera Information

Antequera is Malaga's largest municipality, with a population of 40.000. Antequera is a historical town par excellence that is situated on the banks of the Guadalhorce river. This busy market town was important strategicaly, first as a Roman Anticaria and later as a Moorish border fortress, that helped defend Granada. It boasts the remains of an Arab castle and its fortifications.

Of historic importance is a visit to the Dolmens. The Dolmens are large Megalithic tombs constructed of large slabs of stone, the oldest Megalithic tombs date back to the year 2500 BC.

In Antequera there is also a Giants' Gateway, and the La Pileta cave, whose walls are covered in ancient paintings of animals and symbols.

Many shops and Supermarkets can be found in the streets of Antequera. A new large Hospital has recently been constructed on the outskirts of town. The drive from La Joya to Antequera is only 17km long, about 15 minutes by car.

Fiestas in Antequera
One of the more traditional festivals in Antequera is Holy Week. During Easter all the townspeople turn out to celebrate the death and the resurrection of Christ, in a tradition that dates back to Baroque times. Very popular as well is the Spring Feria, which takes place from the end of May to the beginning of June. This is a smaller Feria compared to Antequera's main Feria, which is held in August, and attracts people from the provence of Malaga. During both ferias you can see is top level bullfighting.

Gastronomy of Antequera
Antequera also has a fine gastronomic heritage. Two local dishes which are especially appreciated outside the municipality are, Porra Antequerana, a type of gazpacho based on bread, tomato and pepper that is eaten in summer, and bienmesabe dessert, which means good tasting, made from egg white and syrup.

Antequera is also famous for its omelets, and bread, that are usually eaten for breakfast with Jamon, tomato, garlic and olive oil. During Christmas the people of Antequera like to eat mantecados, a type of biscuit made with olive oil, and traditionally puff pastries called alfajores.

Antequera is also famous for its Tapas, a small snack served with a piece of bread. The word, Tapa (cover or lid) originated in the 16th century, when Andalusian taverns used to cover glasses of wine with bread. This prevented the flies getting into the wine. But then tavern bartenders placed small snacks on the bread, which is where we get the tradition today. The only difference is that today Tapas are served on a small dish and not placed on the rim of the glass.

A good place to sample these culinary delights is the La Espuela Restaurant, next to the Bullring. Many other Restaurants and Tapa Bars can be found in Antequera.