Perhaps one of the most historical Andalucian towns, the records of Antequera take us on a journey which begins five thousand years ago in the Bronze Age with the native Iberians.
The evidence is there in the form of numerous burial mounds and portal tombs, known as dolmen – Roman baths, a Moorish castle, Gothic churches, Renaissance fountains and Baroque bell towers. The present day Antequera is somewhat mediaeval in its first impression - particularly when the many church spires and the towers and walls of the Moorish fortress are viewed from a distance.
Having been one of the most fertile areas in Andalucía for centuries, due mainly to the excellent irrigation taken from the Guadalhorce River, the surrounding areas lead production in olives, asparagus and many different cereals. The fields of sunflowers also make for a stunning picture during the summer months.
There are a host of incredible and interesting monuments to be seen in and around the town. Perhaps the most famous is ‘La Peña de los Enamorados’ or Lover’s Leap. Situated almost nine-hundred metres above the town and valley, this rock face is formed from limestone and like so many natural monuments, it has its own legend. It is said that a local young Christian man fell for a beautiful Archidonian Moorish maiden. Their impossible union ended in them being driven to the top of the rock by Moorish soldiers where, rather than surrender their love, they threw themselves into the void.
To the west of the town, the magnificent dolmens can be viewed - these spectacular mass tombs, hewn from the stone, date back more than five thousand years. There are many more dolmens in Andalucía but none as immense as the Cueva de la Menga in the Antequera Park. When the caves were excavated nearly two hundred years ago, hundreds of skeletons were revealed within the inner chamber of the tomb.
More recently, Roman baths were excavated within the town and visitors can also enjoy the splendour of the Churches of Santa Maria la Mayor and Nuestra Señora del Carmen. The 16th century Arch of the Giants leads up to the 13th century Moorish Castle and the town is also home to a 19th century bullring.
 Pretty Flamingos
The Lagoon of Fuente de Piedra makes up part of the Llanure de Antequera which is considered to be one of the largest natural lagoons in Spain.
This glorious oasis is surrounded by a vast, mountainous terrain and provides an ideal breeding spot for the Pink Flamingo – one of the most elegant and beautiful birds in the world. Situated very close to the African continent, this is a strategic point for migrating birds to rest before crossing the Mediterranean to spend the winter in warmer climes. This zone is deemed protected in an international treaty.
The best time to observe the flamingos is around the end of January which is when they arrive to prepare in time for the all important spring and summer business of breeding.
Towards the end of the summer, during July and August, Manuel Rendón, the Conservation Manager of the reserve and his two-hundred strong team of scientists advance on the lagoon before daylight in order to label the thousands of young flamingos who are still unable to fly. This incredible project has been in effect since 1984 and provides invaluable information as to the movements and habits of these valuable birds.
Unfortunately, the ringing programme did not take place this year due to the worst drought in ten years. This has only occurred five times since the programme began. |
