Antequera celebrates a decade as a World Heritage site calling for more institutional support

Antequera marks a decade since UNESCO declared the Peña de los Enamorados, El Torcal, and the Dolmens as World Heritage. The city calls for more involvement from administrations to capitalise on the title.

Antequera celebrates this month ten years of UNESCO recognition for its megalithic ensemble, the Peña de los Enamorados, and El Torcal. An anniversary that arrives with the feeling that the title has not delivered all it could. The City Council and local groups point out that there is a lack of institutional promotion and connection between the monuments and the city.

Since 2016, tourism has grown in the locality. The streets show groups of visitors that were unthinkable fifteen years ago. However, tourism officials believe that the potential is much greater. The lack of regular buses to El Torcal or the poor signage are some of the ongoing issues.

The Dolmens Museum, a pending issue

The Dolmens Museum opened its doors on March 16, 2022, but four years later it remains incomplete. It lacks a permanent collection and does not function as a research centre. The city hopes that the new mandate in the Andalusian Parliament will drive its completion.

“The Dolmens must be part of our identity, our flag, our daily life,” municipal sources state. The museum space, which boasts one of the best conference rooms in the province, could host more cultural and scientific events. There is also a call for greater presence at the Antequera Light Fest, the light festival that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

A call for public-private collaboration

The tenth anniversary has served to launch a joint message. The City Council, merchants, and hoteliers are asking the Provincial Council, the Junta de Andalucía, and the central government to include Antequera in priority tourism plans. “Posters at FITUR, tourist panels, textbooks, campaigns…” they enumerate from the council.

There is also an appeal to local residents and businesses. “Merchants must take advantage of the activity programme, hotels and bars should connect with visitors,” they insist. The professionalisation of the tourism and cultural sector is another key: training young people as guides and managers so that talent stays in the city.

The celebration will include special guided tours to the Dolmens and El Torcal over the coming weeks. The complete programme can be consulted on the Antequera City Council website.