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Antequera
Without doubt one of Andalusia's most important
towns, Antequera has always been at the forefront of historic
events, art, politics, culture and economics in the Andalusia's
autonomous region. The largest town in the province in terms
of area, most of the municipality is made up of fertile plains
devoted to olive and cereal production,
Antequera stands in the middle of fertile lowland,
inhabited since the time immemorial. Surrounded by the El
Torcal and El Arco Calizo Central Sierras, and which is majestically
dominated by La Peña de los Enamorados (The Lovers'
Rock), the subject of a multitude of myths and legends.
The town stretches across the side of a hill
at the foot of the Sierra del Torcal, its streets exhibiting
a different character depending on the period in which they
were built, dotted with a myriad of interesting monuments
The Romans called it Antikaria, meaning "ancient",
a name modified to Antaqira by the Arabs. In addition to the
growth of Antikaria, the Roman era also saw the development
of Singilia Barba, the remains of which are located five kilometres
from Antequera. Important examples of military architecture
remain from the Moslem period: Papabellotas Castle, the Malaga,
El Agua and La Estrella Gates and remains of the old town
walls.
The Infant Don Ferdinand of Antequera conquered
Antequera in 1410 and, henceforth, it became a border town
between the Kingdoms of Castile and Granada. During the Christian
conquest, it was used as a base from which to launch offensives
against the Kingdom of Granada. Following the conquest of
Granada by the Catholic Monarchs, Antequera underwent a population
boom and significant urban development.
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