The best traffic-free bike rides around Villanueva De La Concepción

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.

Restaurante Bar Oasis is located in Villanueva de la Concepción and is a popular stop for cyclists. Conveniently situated in the village, the bar offers a friendly, relaxed atmosphere and serves traditional Andalusian cuisine – from tapas and hearty daily specials to coffee and refreshments. Thanks to its central location, it's ideal for a break during a bike tour through the El Torcal Natural Park. A relaxing place to recharge and enjoy the local village life of Villanueva de la Concepción.

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.

During the time of al-Andalus, the Moorish city of Antequera bore the Arabic name Madīnat Antaqīra (مدينة أنتقيرة), which literally means "City of Antequera." This name derives from the former Roman Anticaria, which was Arabized during Islamic rule. The Medina Antaqīra formed the walled city center, stretching along the hillside below the present-day Alcazaba. Within the walls were the city's most important buildings, including the main mosque, the citadel, residential quarters, baths, and small markets. After the conquest by Ferdinand of Aragon in 1410, the Arabic name gradually disappeared, and Madīnat Antaqīra became Antequera again, which, as a Christian city, soon expanded beyond the boundaries of the old Medina.

Puerto de El Jaral is not only a geographical crossing, but also a quiet viewpoint where the tranquility of nature and the wide view over the Mediterranean landscape combine – a characteristic destination for cyclists and nature lovers alike.