Saint Martha and the Mythical Tarasca of Antequera (Spain)

La Tarasca of Antequera (Spain).

In Antequera, within the historic Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor, stands the captivating figure of La Tarasca. This sculpture portrays a fearsome, multi-headed serpent subdued and guided by Saint Martha, a representation deeply rooted in both Christian tradition and medieval folklore. Historically, such figures have played a significant role in religious processions, particularly during the Corpus Christi celebrations, where they symbolize the triumph of faith over chaos and evil.

The Tarasca of Antequera is not merely a static sculpture but a dynamic element of the town’s rich cultural heritage. During Corpus Christi, it becomes a focal point of the procession, evoking both awe and curiosity as it parades through the streets, often accompanied by music and traditional performances. This tradition, inherited from medieval European festivities, has been preserved and adapted over centuries, reflecting changes in religious and societal values while maintaining its core symbolism.

The origins of La Tarasca can be traced back to the medieval legend of Saint Martha, who, according to tradition, tamed a monstrous creature known as the Tarasque in Provence, France. This narrative spread across Spain, influencing local customs and processions, particularly in cities like Granada, Seville, and Antequera. The version found in Antequera is unique in its artistic expression, emphasizing the town’s distinct identity within Andalusian heritage.

Beyond its religious significance, La Tarasca serves as a bridge between the past and present, inviting both residents and visitors to immerse themselves in the legends and traditions that have shaped Antequera’s cultural landscape. Its presence in the Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor underscores the enduring connection between sacred spaces and local folklore, ensuring that this fascinating symbol of faith and myth continues to captivate generations to come.

The dolmens of Viera and Menga, Antequera (Spain)

The dolmen of Menga, Antequera (Spain).

The dolmens of Viera and Menga in Antequera, Spain, are awe-inspiring relics from the Neolithic and Bronze Age, standing as silent sentinels of a long-lost world. These ancient stone monuments, among the best-preserved in Europe, date back around 5,000 years and are now honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Dolmens are ancient megalithic structures typically built as burial chambers during the Neolithic period. Constructed using massive upright stones (orthostats) capped with one or more horizontal slabs (capstones), dolmens often served as ceremonial or funerary monuments. They were usually covered by earth or smaller stones to form a mound, though the covering has often eroded away over time. Found across Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa, dolmens are remarkable feats of engineering, reflecting the spiritual beliefs and social organization of early human communities.

The Dolmen of Menga is a colossal marvel, stretching 27.5 meters, with massive stones forming its walls and ceiling. Its wide corridor leads to a grand burial chamber, supported by towering stone pillars. Unlike typical dolmens, Menga faces not the rising sun but La Peña de los Enamorados, a mountain with a striking human face profile, hinting at a deep connection between the land and its ancient builders.

The Dolmen of Viera is more modest in size, measuring 21 meters. Its narrow corridor points directly at the equinox sunrise, tying it to the celestial rhythms of the sun. This alignment, common in megalithic structures, underscores its possible role in solar worship and agricultural cycles.

Unearthed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, these dolmens have since become cherished windows into the spiritual and architectural prowess of prehistoric societies. They stand as eternal markers of a people whose lives were deeply intertwined with the heavens and the earth.

The dolmen of Viera, Antequear (Spain).

The interior of the dolmen of Menga, Antequera (Spain).

Honoring the Exiles of Medina Antaqira (Antequera, Spain)

Homenaje a los antiqiries, Antequera (Spain).

In 1410, a pivotal moment in Andalusian history unfolded with the conquest of Antequera by the forces of Fernando I of Aragón, known as Fernando de Antequera. This event was part of the larger Reconquista, the Christian campaign to reclaim the Iberian Peninsula from Muslim rule. For the people of the Islamic medina of Antaqira, the conquest marked a turning point. Many were expelled and sought refuge in Granada, then still under Muslim rule. There, they established a new neighborhood, which became known as La Antequeruela—a lasting testament to their origins.

Six centuries later, in 2010, Antequera honored this chapter of its past by placing a statue in memory of those who were forced to leave.

La Peña de los Enamorados (The Lover's Rock), Antequera (Spain)

- La Peña de los Enamorados, Chromolithography on tim (ca. 1915)

- Illustration from a German publication from the 16th century on ‘La Peña de los Enamorados’

- La Peña de los Enamorados as can be seen from Antequera.

The story of "La Peña de los Enamorados" (The Lovers' Rock) in Antequera, Spain, is a famous legend rooted in love and tragedy. The rock, resembling the profile of a reclining man, serves as the backdrop for this romantic tale.

The story is set during the time of the Reconquista, the period when Christian kingdoms were fighting to reclaim territory from the Moors. It revolves around a young Christian man named Tello and a Moorish princess named Tazgona (or Tagzona).

Tello, captured by the Moors, is imprisoned in the fortress of Archidona. During his captivity, he meets Tazgona, the daughter of the Moorish leader. They fall deeply in love despite their different backgrounds and the political tensions between their people.

Knowing that their love is forbidden, they decide to escape together. They flee to the nearby mountains, pursued by the Moorish soldiers. Eventually, they reach the top of the Peña de los Enamorados, realizing they cannot escape their fate.

Rather than face separation or punishment, Tello and Tazgona choose to leap from the rock, preferring to die together than live apart. Their tragic end seals their love in legend, and the Peña de los Enamorados becomes a symbol of eternal love and sacrifice.

This romantic and tragic tale adds a layer of mysticism and allure to the striking landscape of Antequera, making the rock a significant cultural and historical landmark.