From Malaga to Antequera
Total length of the trip: 120km when returning by the main
road. 96km when returning via Almogia.
Malaga is left by the so-called acceso nuevo (new access),
ie the CN-321, which later forks towards Granada, Cordoba
and Seville.
Casabermeja (32km) appears on the left with the picturesque
cemetery in the foreground. Despite its recent enlargement
the village preserves the original layout and a number of
examples of popular Malaga architecture. The parish church
dates from the 16C and 18C.
A the mountain pass of Las Pedrizas the traveller should follow
the CN331 towards the left.
Antequera (46km from Malaga) is an important town as regards
sights. It preserves very interesting buildings for lovers
of the Renaissance and the baroque in Andalusia. The Collegiate
Church of Santa Maria la Mayor, used as a concert hall today,
stands near the Arab Alcazaba (fortress) at the highest part
of the town, from where there is a magnificent view. Carmen
Square is another exceptional observation platform. It lies
in front of a church of the same name, which has one of the
most impressive interiors: the Baroque main recredos and the
coffered ceiling are very outstanding.
The main street of Antequera is called Estepa and it begins
at San Sebastian Square: the Baroque brick tower next to the
church of the same name is one of the most characteristic
landmarks in the silhouette of Antequera. Following the avenue,
the traveller should visit - on the right and left - San Agustin
Church, La Casa de los Pardo (a 17C palace occupied by the
branch of a bank) and Los Remedios Church. The latter is another
key building of Andalusian Baroque: the interior, designed
by following stage criteria, probably belongs to the most
interesting of its kind in Malaga. The Municipal Museum in
an 18C palace preserves some very valuable remains of the
Roman period. The Convents of Santa Catalina (facing the museum),
of San Agustin, La Victoria, Las Recoletas and others, the
same as the town palaces, which the traveller comes across
on his walk, turn Antequera into a must for lovers of art
and architecture, especially in spring and autumn. The Church
of La Madre de Dios is a building which cannot be left out
by anyone interested in the Baroque style: the interior has
a set of very peculiar, but very interesting vaults.
By taking the same road which brought him to the town, the
traveller soon reaches the signposts showing the way to the
Caves of Menga, to Viera and El Romeral, three megalithic
burial places dating from between 2,500 and 2,000 BC.
After 10km in the direction of Almogia in the South of Antequera,
there is a turn-off for El Torcal on the right.
El Torcal de Antequera is a disturbing area consisting of
large rocky blocks, which have often been compared with cyclopean
ruins. A visit should be accompanied by a guide or else the
traveller should follow the signposts indicating which direction
he should take. Torcal is recommended, especially for those
who love unusual scenery.
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