Councillor Patricia del Pozo and Mayor Manolo Barón have inaugurated two exhibitions at the Site Museum to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the UNESCO declaration.
The Site of the Dolmens of Antequera marked ten years on Monday since UNESCO declared it a World Heritage site, a recognition that came on July 15, 2016, in Istanbul. To celebrate, the Councillor for Culture of the Junta de Andalucía, Patricia del Pozo, and the Mayor of Antequera, Manolo Barón, inaugurated two exhibitions at the Archaeological Ensemble Museum.
The exhibitions, titled ‘Megalithism in the Lands of Almería. Resistances and Resiliencies’ and ‘The Permanent Mark’, are part of a commemorative programme that will extend throughout the second half of the year. Both proposals aim to highlight the richness of Andalusian megalithism and the mark these monuments have left in history.
During the event, Barón and Del Pozo signed the Honour Book of the Archaeological Ensemble, recording their participation in a day that the mayor described as “very significant” for the city. The mayor was accompanied by the first deputy mayor, Juan Rosas; the councillor for Tourism, Ana Cebrián; and the councillor for Culture, José Medina Galeote.
Investment in Storage and Conservation
Manolo Barón thanked the Junta de Andalucía for its commitment to Antequera's heritage and highlighted that the Site “is in very good health.” As an example, he pointed out the investment of €174,966 allocated to install a new storage system for the cultural assets of the Museum. This action, co-financed with European FEDER funds, includes electronic mobile shelving and specialised furniture.
“This is an essential action to consolidate the Ensemble not only as an exhibition space but also as a centre for conservation, study, and research,” the mayor stated. The new system will allow for the safe storage of archaeological collections, improving preservation conditions.
Barón recalled that Antequera holds remnants from all historical periods, from the Paleolithic to the Baroque, and that the Dolmens are “the Neolithic jewel” of that legacy. “We have a historical legacy that we must care for and preserve, a heritage that we have received on loan and must return to future generations,” he emphasised.
International Recognition and Tourist Growth
Patricia del Pozo described the Archaeological Ensemble as a “different” and unique site in the world, with a roadmap shared by administrations, researchers, and citizens. The councillor recalled the excitement of ten years ago in Istanbul and stated that that recognition represented “a very important commitment to humanity.”
Del Pozo praised the work of Manolo Barón, whom she defined as “one of the mayors of Andalucía who best understands and manages culture and heritage.” She also highlighted that UNESCO valued at the time the conscious integration between monumental architecture and landscape represented by the Dolmens, one of the earliest in European prehistory.
Interest in the site has surged: the councillor indicated that visits have grown by more than 75% in recent years. Additionally, the Dolmens of Antequera were the first archaeological ensemble in Spain to activate a safeguarding plan to protect its assets in emergencies.
For visitors, the newly inaugurated exhibitions offer a unique opportunity to learn more about Andalusian megalithism. The commemorative programme will include activities over the coming months, such as conferences and workshops. The Site Museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday, with free entry for EU citizens.
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