The dolmens of Antequera are a group of three megalithic structures located near the town of Antequera in the province of Malaga, Spain. The dolmens, which date back to the Neolithic period, were constructed between 3000 and 2500 BC and were used for burial purposes.
The three dolmens are known as the Menga Dolmen, the Viera Dolmen, and the El Romeral Dolmen. The Menga Dolmen is the largest of the three, measuring 27 meters in length and consisting of 32 upright stones supporting a massive capstone weighing over 180 tons. The Viera Dolmen is slightly smaller, but still impressive, measuring 21 meters in length and featuring a similar arrangement of upright stones and a large capstone. The El Romeral Dolmen is smaller still, but notable for its intricate carvings and decorations.
The dolmens of Antequera are considered to be some of the finest examples of megalithic architecture in Europe and were designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2016. They are an important archaeological site and offer valuable insights into the social and cultural practices of the people who built them over 4,000 years ago.
There is a great in depth article well worth a read over at the Ronda Today website about the dolmens of Antequera: https://rondatoday.com/antequeras-dolmen-structures/
Opening times of the Dolmens of Antequera
- From January 1 to March 31: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 09:00 to 18:00; Sundays and holidays from 09:00 to 15:00. Mondays closed.
- From April 1 to June 15: Open Tuesday to Saturday from 09:00 to 21:00; Sundays and holidays from 09:00 to 15:00. Mondays closed.
- From June 16 to September 15: Open from Tuesday to Saturday from 09:00 to 15:00 and evening visits from 20:00 to 22:00.
Please double check opening times here: https://www.museosdeandalucia.es/web/conjuntoarqueologicodolmenesdeantequera/informacion-general
Guided tours to the Dolmens of Antequera
Get Your Guide have a great sellection of guided tours from various towns and cities to the dolmens of Antequera and other attractions close to the Caminito del Rey.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Dolmens of Antequera
The Dolmens of Antequera are a group of three ancient megalithic burial structures located near the town of Antequera in Málaga, Spain. Dating back to the Neolithic and Bronze Age (between 3750 and 1800 BCE), they offer rare insight into prehistoric engineering and ritual practices.
The three main dolmens are the Dolmen of Menga, the Dolmen of Viera, and the Tholos of El Romeral. Together, they form the core of the Antequera Dolmens Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2016.
The Dolmen of Menga is the largest, measuring 27.5 m in length with upright stones supporting capstones weighing over 150 tonnes. It is aligned toward La Peña de los Enamorados. The Dolmen of Viera is 21 m long and aligns with the sunrise during the equinoxes. El Romeral is smaller but unique, with a tholos (beehive) chamber built using corbelled stones and oriented toward El Torcal.
These dolmens are among the most remarkable examples of European megalithic architecture. Their orientation toward natural landmarks instead of celestial bodies makes them unique. They offer valuable evidence of social, ceremonial, and architectural developments from more than 4,000 years ago.
Opening times vary by season:
January 1 to March 31: Tuesday to Saturday, 09:00–18:00; Sundays and holidays, 09:00–15:00. Closed Mondays.
April 1 to June 15: Tuesday to Saturday, 09:00–21:00; Sundays and holidays, 09:00–15:00. Closed Mondays.
June 16 to September 15: Tuesday to Saturday, 09:00–15:00 and 20:00–22:00.
Always check the official website before visiting, as hours may change.
Yes, guided tours are available and often include access to the dolmens along with nearby attractions such as El Torcal or the Caminito del Rey. Tour options can be found through platforms like Get Your Guide or local tourism offices.
Construction dates vary:
Dolmen of Menga: around 3750–3650 BCE
Dolmen of Viera: around 3510–3020 BCE
Tholos of El Romeral: approximately 1800 BCE
Unlike most prehistoric tombs aligned with celestial events, these dolmens align with surrounding natural features. Menga aligns with La Peña de los Enamorados, while El Romeral aligns with El Torcal. This landscape-based orientation is rare in European megalithic sites.
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