Antequera - Fact 3 - Roman Holiday

Antequera - Fact 3 - Roman Holiday

by Fiona Flores Watson

The Roman era brought great prosperity to Antequera (named "the Ancient City", or Antikaria, by them). Among the treasures from that age are a very rare, small bronze statue of a boy, "Ephebus of Antequera", dating from the 1st century AD, in the Museo Municipal, as well as other well-preserved artefacts and mosaics found in the Roman villa. Then, there are the Roman baths, next to the Real Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor; and finally, the mansion itself, next to the station, which was discovered in 1998, and is still being excavated. Nearby is a structure known locally as the "Carniceria de los Moros", a large springs and pool which would have belonged to a Roman villa. The sulphorous springs of the nearby spa town Carratraca were popular in Roman times.

At the end of 2024, the Roman Baths, next to the Royal Collegiate Church, underwent conservation work to stabilise the hypocaust system; they are open year-round with a newly marked trail and a live commentary app for visitors.

• Fact 1 - Four large gates and arches adorn Antequera's streets.
• Fact 2 - The biggest dolmen in Europe is in Antequera.
• Fact 3 - Perfectly-preserved Roman remains are not be missed.
• Fact 4 - See bizarre rock formations or walk along a heart-stoppingly high path.
• Fact 5 - Regional cuisine? Antequera is famous for its puddings.

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