- 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.
