Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor

In front of you stands the Royal Collegiate Church of Santa María la Mayor. This impressive building exists thanks to Bishop Diego Ramírez de Villaescusa, who oversaw the Diocese of Málaga. Construction took place between 1514 and 1550 under the architect Pedro del Campo. It’s even considered the first attempt at Renaissance architecture in Andalusia—a bold move at a time when Gothic style dominated the region. In the square just outside, you’ll see a statue of Pedro Espinosa. He was a 17th-century writer, poet, priest, and chaplain who studied theology. He played a key role in the poetry academy of Granada, and eventually chose to live as a hermit near Antequera, dedicating himself to religious poetry. You can even visit the church, just note that there’s an entry fee. Declared a Spanish cultural heritage site in 1944, it’s no longer used for regular worship, but it remains alive as a cultural venue. Inside, you’ll find temporary exhibitions, concerts, and even film shoots—like the popular Netflix series Warrior Nun, which used this stunning setting as one of its filming locations.