Arco de los Gigantes, Renaissance city gate in Antequera, Spain
Arco de los Gigantes is a Renaissance city gate built from sandstone blocks with decorative elements and a rounded archway leading into Antequera's old town. The structure features a large niche in its upper section that once held a Roman statue and sits on a thick stone foundation.
The gate was built in 1585 by architect Francisco de Azurriola and incorporates Latin inscriptions and tombstones from nearby Roman settlements. These reused stones came from ancient sites such as Anticaria, Singilia, Nescania, and Osqua, connecting the structure to the region's Roman past.
The arch displays dedications to King Philip II and features a jar of lilies on its keystone along with the city emblem. These symbols represent the royal authority and local identity that defined Antequera in the 16th century.
The gate stands at the entrance to Antequera's old town, near Santa María la Mayor Church and the Roman Baths complex. It is easily accessible on foot and serves as a natural starting point for exploring the historic center.
A large niche in the upper part of the arch once housed a Roman statue of Hercules, which gave the gate its alternative name, Hercules Gate. This connection to the ancient world remains visible today in the structure and the Roman stones incorporated into it.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
