The best traffic-free bike rides around Mollina

The Laguna de Fuente de Piedra provides an important habitat for large flamingo colonies and is one of the most significant breeding grounds for this bird species in Europe. The shallow salt lagoon offers ideal conditions for the birds, allowing them to be observed there in large numbers, especially during the warmer months.

Laguna de Fuente de Piedra is home to large flamingo colonies and is considered one of the most important breeding grounds for this bird species in Europe, where they can be observed particularly well in the warmer months.

The Vicaría Observatory (Mirador) is an official viewpoint at the Fuente de Piedra Lagoon and is one of the most important observation points in the nature reserve. From here, there is a good overview of the shallow salt lagoon.

about 5,600 years ago 😮 1,140 tons 😲

The Conjunto Arqueológico Dólmenes de Antequera (Antequera Dolmens Archaeological Site) is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Europe and is located on the outskirts of Antequera in Andalusia, directly on the Carretera de Málaga (Málaga Highway). The site comprises three large megalithic tombs – the Dolmen de Menga, the Dolmen de Viera, and the Tholos de El Romeral – as well as the two natural monuments Peña de los Enamorados and El Torcal de Antequera. Together, they have formed a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016, uniquely demonstrating the connection between humankind, architecture, and landscape. The Dolmen de Menga is the largest structure in the site and is among the most impressive megalithic tombs in Europe. It was built between approximately 3800 and 3600 BC and consists of enormous stone blocks assembled to form a long burial chamber. Particularly noteworthy is its alignment with the rock Peña de los Enamorados, suggesting a symbolic or ritual significance. Human remains and grave goods were found inside. Just a few meters away is the Dolmen de Viera, which is somewhat smaller and more classically constructed. It was built between approximately 3500 and 3000 BC and is oriented precisely to the east, so that sunlight falls directly into the burial chamber at the equinox. The third structure, the Tholos de El Romeral, lies about four kilometers away and dates from the Copper Age, around 2500 BC. Its circular shape and corbelled vault distinguish it from the older dolmens and represent a further development of the architectural techniques of that time.

The city gate of Antequera was built in 1749 in the Baroque style, demolished in the 19th century, and faithfully reconstructed in the 1990s. Today, the Puerta de Estepa is a symbolic gateway to the city.

In the heart of the historic cityscape rises the Plaza de Toros de Antequera, one of the oldest and most prestigious bullrings in Andalusia. Opened in 1848, the arena seats approximately 8,000 spectators and exemplifies 19th-century Andalusian architecture with its clean, circular form and light-colored facades. For decades, it has been the venue for important corridas as well as social and cultural events. An integrated bullfighting museum commemorates this long tradition and Antequera's role in the history of Spanish bullfighting.

The Antequera Bullring (Plaza de Toros de Antequera) is one of the oldest and most important bullrings in Andalusia. Opened in 1848, after construction began in 1847, it is a prime example of 19th-century Andalusian architecture. The arena seats approximately 8,000 spectators and is distinguished by its elegant, circular shape and white facades accented with sandstone. The facility was built on the initiative of local nobles and citizens, as bullfighting was an important part of the regional culture at the time. Over the years, numerous important corridas were held there, featuring renowned matadors from all over Spain. Besides bullfighting, the arena also served as a venue for festivals and cultural events. Today, a small bullfighting museum (Museo Taurino de Antequera), housed within the arena itself, commemorates this long tradition. The arena displays costumes, bullfighting posters, and historical photographs documenting the development of Andalusian bullfighting. To this day, the arena remains a symbol of Antequera's historical significance in the Spanish bullfighting tradition.