Costa del Sol and Costa de Almería Places

Antequera

Antequera became a stronghold of the Moors after their defeat at Córdoba and Seville in the 13th century. Its fall to the Christians in 1410 paved the way for the reconquest of Granada—the Moors retreated, leaving a fortress on the town heights. It is a handsome and historic town with some magnificent baroque buildings and a staggering 30 churches.

Next to the town fortress is the former church of Santa María la Mayor, one of 27 churches, convents, and monasteries in Antequera. Built of sandstone in the 16th century, it has a ribbed vault that is now a concert hall. The church of San Sebastián has a brick baroque Mudejar tower topped by a winged figure called the Angelote (Big angel), the symbol of Antequera. The church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen (Our Lady of Carmen) has an extraordinary baroque altarpiece that towers to the ceiling.