Dolmens of Antequera Archaeological Ensemble
What is the Antequera Dolmens Archaeological Ensemble?
The Antequera Dolmens Archaeological Complex is a cultural asset, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016, made up of five monuments, three cultural and two natural, located in the municipality of Antequera within the province of Malaga.
- Cultural monuments: Dolmen de Menga, Dolmen de Viera and Tholos de El Romeral.
- Natural monuments: La Peña de los Enamorados and El Torcal de Antequera.
In this article we will talk about the Dolmens of Antequera cultural monuments.
What is a dolmen?
Before starting, do you know what a dolmen is? A dolmen is a megalithic construction made up of several slabs nailed vertically to the ground and one or more resting on them horizontally as a cover.
Information on the Antequera Dolmens
The Antequera Megalithic Necropolis formed by the Dolmen de Menga, Dolmen de Viera and Tholos de El Romeral monuments, are one of the greatest exponents of the megalithic in Europe.
According to the available analysis these constructions would date from the Neolithic period, with more than 6,500 years. The first forms of monumental architecture of Prehistory.
Visitor Center, Dolmens of Menga and Viera
Tholos of El Romeral
The extraordinary universal value of these monoliths resides in their monumentality and their singular orientation. At the time it was customary to orient the monuments to the sun, but these temples were oriented towards the nature that surrounded them. The Menga Dolmen was oriented towards the Peña de los Enamorados, a mountain reminiscent of a human figure due to its unique shape. The Tholos of El Romeral was oriented towards the highest elevation of the mountain range of the karstic landscape of El Torcal de Antequera, while the Dolmen of Viera was the only one that was oriented to the sun.
Menga dolmen
About six thousand years ago the Menga Dolmen was built. A gallery-shaped sepulcher with access delimited by ten giant slabs, five on each side. It is considered as a reference of megalithism preserved in Europe. These constructions are the first forms of monumental architecture in Prehistory.
Dolmen of Viera
The Viera Dolmen, also known as Cueva de los hermanos Viera, or Cueva Chica, is the second largest dolmen in Antequera. Although less spectacular than that of Menga, it cannot be missed, something simple as it is in the same location as the one mentioned. Without being architecturally spectacular, its antiquity and meaning give the visit something special.
As we have previously mentioned, the magnificent landscape of the Antequera Dolmens is joined by El Torcal and the Peña de los Enamorados. A must for those who want to enjoy a unique natural environment.
Dolmens of Antequera: Hours and how to get there
Visiting hours to the Dolmens of Antequera
From January 1 to March 31 and from September 16 to December 31:
From Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, public holidays and Monday eve of public holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday (not holidays): closed.
From April 1 to June 15:
From Tuesday to Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, public holidays and Monday eve of public holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday (not holidays): closed.
Summer (June 16 to September 15):
From Tuesday to Sunday, holidays and Monday eve of holidays, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Monday (not holidays): closed.
The museums and archaeological and monumental complexes will be open on all holidays, including the local ones, with the exception of January 1 and 6, May 1 and December 24, 25 and 31.
Hotel near the Dolmens of Antequera
The La Garganta Rural Tourist Complex offers you a range of charming rooms, next to the Caminito del Rey, just over an hour’s drive from the Antequera Dolmens Archaeological Site. All of them are equipped to enjoy a perfect rest, with features for the most demanding: heating, air conditioning, satellite TV, WIFI, telephone…
Turn your visit to the Antequera Dolmens into an unforgettable experience
Nobody like La Garganta can help you prepare your visit. Located in front of the Gaitanes Gorge, known as the El Chorro Gorge, through which the recently restored Caminito del Rey runs. If you are planning your visit to Torcal we can help you.