Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor, Antequera

The Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor, in Antequera

The Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor is a jewel of the Renaissance, near the Alcazaba of Antequera. The Antequera audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this major building, a witness of the golden age of the town.

The Renaissance jewel of the city

The Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor was built in the sixteenth century, near the Alcazaba, in the heart of the monumental ensemble of Antequera. This building is among the first Renaissance-style churches of Andalusia. Its monumental Mannerist façade, in golden stone, punctuated with columns and pediments, is a masterpiece. Inside, its naves separated by columns and its coffered wooden ceiling of Mudéjar inspiration testify to the meeting of artistic influences. A former renowned centre of humanist studies, the collegiate church embodies the cultural golden age of Antequera. You discover it with respect, a witness of the rich religious heritage of the town.

What to see

You admire, with respect, the monumental Mannerist façade in golden stone, the naves separated by columns and the coffered wooden ceiling of Mudéjar inspiration, one of the first Renaissance churches of Andalusia. The collegiate church embodies the golden age of Antequera. It is a major stop to be discovered with respect.

Practical information

The Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor lies near the Alcazaba, at the top of the hill of Antequera, reachable on foot. A place of worship and heritage, it can be visited with respect; access follows its own hours and conditions, which vary. It is best to check them before coming and to respect the character of the place.

Why is the collegiate church of Santa María la Mayor remarkable?

It is one of the first Renaissance-style churches of Andalusia, with a monumental Mannerist façade and a wooden ceiling of Mudéjar inspiration; it was a renowned centre of humanist studies.