
Arco de los Gigantes
A 16th-century archway, the historic gateway to Antequera's medina, offering stunning views and access to key monuments.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light for photos

Arco de los Gigantes
Best Time
Best light for photos

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 16th-century archway, the historic gateway to Antequera's medina, offering stunning views and access to key monuments.
"A must-see and entry to the alcazaba and church! Stunning."

Free Entry, Pay for More
Arco de los Gigantes is free! Combine with Alcazaba/Colegiata for a fuller experience. 🎟️
Climb for the Views
Hike up Cuesta Barbacana hill for this impressive gateway and great city views. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 242 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Grand Gateway
Entrance to the Alcazaba and Plaza de los Escribanos
A 16th-century archway, once the entrance to the Arab medina, adorned with historical coats of arms.

Panoramic Views
From the top of the arch and nearby viewpoints
Enjoy stunning vistas of the Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor and the charming Plaza de los Escribanos.

Historical Context
Adjacent to Alcazaba and Colegiata
Understand its role as a gateway to ancient souks and a symbol of Fernando I's reign.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access and Timing
What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Free Entry, Pay for More
Arco de los Gigantes is free! Combine with Alcazaba/Colegiata for a fuller experience. 🎟️
Climb for the Views
Hike up Cuesta Barbacana hill for this impressive gateway and great city views. :athletic_shoe:
Download Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the free audio guide available on your phone. :iphone:
Combine with Alcazaba
The arch is the entry point to the Alcazaba and Colegiata. Consider a combined ticket. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Free Entry, Pay for More
Arco de los Gigantes is free! Combine with Alcazaba/Colegiata for a fuller experience. 🎟️
Climb for the Views
Hike up Cuesta Barbacana hill for this impressive gateway and great city views. :athletic_shoe:
Download Audio Guide
Enhance your visit with the free audio guide available on your phone. :iphone:
Combine with Alcazaba
The arch is the entry point to the Alcazaba and Colegiata. Consider a combined ticket. :camerawithflash:
Family Photo Ops
Great spot for family photos, especially with the historical backdrop. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Arco de los Gigantes as a free and historically significant landmark in Antequera. It's lauded as an essential gateway to the Alcazaba and Colegiata, offering great views and photo opportunities. Some note the climb involved, but the overall experience is highly recommended as part of exploring the city's heritage.
"Arco de los Gigantes is always open. You can access it at any time you want. It is a gate with a few viewpoints located nearby. You can see it all for free.
To see Alcazaba, you need to pay 3 euro entrance, 6 euros if you add entrance to the Colegiata. We bought the combined ticket for 6 euro - we visited both Acazaba and Colegiata.
It took us 1 hour to see everything. There is an audio guide that you can download on your phone. Must see in Antequera.
Alcazaba, Colegiata, and Arco de los Gigantes - all these places are next to each other."
Kamila Świerska
"It is the entrance to the ancient Arab medina and the route to the souk. The outer part of the arch features the coat of arms of Fernando I, depicting a lion, a castle, and stargazer lilies."
Seokjin Ham
"Large Gate entrance with Latin tablets leading to plaza with Alcazaba, Roman baths, and Real Colegiata Santa Maria.
A must see as part of your visit to Antequera!"
G Griff
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Arco de los Gigantes is located in the heart of Antequera, easily accessible on foot from the city center. It's situated near the Alcazaba and the Real Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor. Parking can be found in nearby public lots, though walking is recommended to explore the historic area.
While there isn't direct public transport to the arch itself, Antequera has bus services that can take you to the city center. From there, it's a pleasant walk uphill to reach the Arco de los Gigantes and the surrounding historical sites.
Driving directly to the Arco de los Gigantes is restricted due to its location within the historic center. It's best to park in designated public parking areas in Antequera and walk to the site. This allows for a more immersive experience of the old town.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Arco de los Gigantes itself is always open and free to access. It serves as a gateway to other attractions.
The Arco de los Gigantes is accessible at any time, as it's an open gateway. However, the attractions it leads to, like the Alcazaba and Colegiata, have specific operating hours.
Visiting the Arco de los Gigantes is completely free. If you wish to enter the Alcazaba or the Colegiata, there are separate entrance fees.
Yes, you can often purchase combined tickets that include entry to the Alcazaba and the Real Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor, which are adjacent to the Arco de los Gigantes. This can be a cost-effective option.
Yes, proof of age for a 65+ reduction in the normal entry fee is available for the Alcazaba and Colegiata.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the arch from different angles, especially from the Cuesta Barbacana hill for a grand perspective. The views looking through the arch towards the Plaza de los Escribanos and the Colegiata are also stunning.
Absolutely! The historical backdrop of the Arco de los Gigantes makes it a fantastic location for memorable family portraits. Consider a mobile photography workshop held there.
Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour light that enhances the stone textures of the arch. Daytime provides clear views of the surrounding architecture.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
The Arco de los Gigantes is a historic gateway. From here, you can access the Alcazaba fortress, the Real Colegiata de Santa Maria la Mayor, and enjoy views of the charming Plaza de los Escribanos.
Visiting the arch itself is quick, but exploring the Alcazaba and Colegiata can take about an hour. The entire experience, including walking around the area, can be around 1-2 hours.
Yes, an audio guide can be downloaded to your phone to enhance your understanding of the historical significance of the sites.
The Plaza de los Escribanos is a picturesque square located on the other side of the arch, historically where clerics lived and wrote. It features attractive houses and a good restaurant.
Built in the mid-sixteenth century, it served as an entrance to the ancient Arab medina and features the coat of arms of Fernando I. It's a key historical landmark in Antequera.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit