OMG it's so big! Arco de los Gigantes is what initially made me want to visit Antequera. I was watching YouTuber Pakspan's video on Antequera and they went through the arch with the church in the background that was just surreal, and I had to see it!
The Arch of the Giants is in the wall of the Alcazaba de Antequera. It is 7 meters high and 2+ meters thick. It was made in 1585 with various pieces of ornamental carvings from Roman ruins (statues, gravestones, etc) embedded in it. There is even a mini Arco in the upper right corner as you enter. It was built as a Renaissance triumphal arch, created for the visit of Filipe II.
The way the arch is perched on the Mirador de las Almenillas, serving as an entry point for the Alcazaba and the church (Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor) was so well-planned and executed. It frames the city from one direction, and the church from the other. Spectacular views and photo opps!
It's not just a pass-through, you will want to linger and take in the enormity and spectacle of it.
The Arco was even more exciting in person than on YouTube! Definitely lived up to the hype, and was just as surreal for the fantastic views as I'd hoped! read more