The Archaeological Ensemble of the Dolmens of Antequera has prepared a special programme that will extend over six months to commemorate the tenth anniversary of its declaration as a World Heritage site by UNESCO.
On July 15, 2016, UNESCO inscribed the Dolmens of Antequera on the World Heritage list. Ten years later, the archaeological ensemble celebrates the anniversary with a programme of activities ranging from videomapping to scientific days, including theatre, dance, and poetry. The Department of Culture, Historical Heritage and Sport has designed an agenda that will take place during the second half of 2026, aiming to reaffirm the commitment to the conservation and dissemination of one of the most important megalithic sites in Europe.
A Summer of Videomapping and Musical Theatre
The programme kicks off in July with a videomapping show that will project images onto the dolmens, combining light and sound to narrate the history of the site. The following day, the company En la Luna Teatro will present 'The Time Machine', a musical that transports the audience from the Bronze Age to the future, featuring songs and special effects. Both activities are free and designed for all audiences, according to the organisers.
The residents of Antequera and visitors will be able to enjoy these proposals in the archaeological site itself, which will extend its opening hours during the weekends of July and August. Access to the commemorative activities will be free until capacity is reached, providing a unique opportunity to rediscover this ancient heritage.
Scientific and Cultural Autumn
In September, the programme resumes with the play 'The Echo of the Sea of Tethys', a contemporary reinterpretation of the legend of the Peña de los Enamorados, which will be performed in Enclosure 1 of the ensemble. On September 17, the new Official Guide to the Archaeological Ensemble of the Dolmens of Antequera will be presented, a historiographical revision with abundant graphic support that covers five centuries of studies. On September 24, the poet Nicolás Ramos will offer the recital 'Songs to Menga' inside the dolmen of Menga, an intimate experience that connects poetry and megalithism.
October begins with the scientific meeting 'Megalithism in Andalusia: Research, Conservation and Dissemination', on the 1st and 2nd. It will bring together researchers and specialists who have participated in the exhibition cycle on Andalusian megalithism, and the scientific catalogues of the exhibits will be presented. The public will be able to attend the conferences and learn about the latest advances in the field, according to sources from the organisation.
The Autumn Days will take place in October and November, featuring four conferences by specialists in history, archaeology, geology, and landscape. They will address the three elements of the Site: the Archaeological Ensemble, the Peña de los Enamorados, and El Torcal de Antequera. The sessions will take place on October 15 and 29, and November 12 and 26, in the afternoon.
Open Doors and Cinema in December
On November 16, World Heritage Day, the archaeological ensemble will exceptionally open its stores to the public. It will be a unique opportunity to see pieces and materials that are not usually on display, as noted by the Department. The open day will include guided tours of the stores, with limited capacity.
The programme will conclude in December with a film cycle dedicated to cultural heritage, archaeology, Prehistory, and natural landscapes. A selection of audiovisual productions will be screened in the assembly hall of the ensemble, with free entry. The schedule and films will be announced soon on the official website.
For the people of Antequera and tourists, this commemoration represents a golden opportunity to rediscover the dolmens from innovative perspectives. The programme combines scientific rigor with entertainment, demonstrating that heritage can be fun without losing its essence. Who knows if in another ten years, when the site turns twenty, the dolmens will still be as fascinating as they are now.
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