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Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor
The Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor stands at the top of the Alcazaba hill, in the plaza de Santa María. It was built between 1514 and 1550 on commission from the Bishop of Málaga Diego Ramírez de Villaescusa, to a design by Pedro López and Diego de Vergara, and is considered the first Renaissance work in Andalusia, raised with ashlar blocks from the ancient Roman city of Singilia. The façade is organised into three bays separated by buttresses, with semicircular arches topped by scallop-shell niches and fluted pinnacles of Gothic-Venetian origin. The interior follows a basilica plan of three naves separated by Ionic columns, covered with Mudéjar timber roofs. The main chapel keeps a Gothic-Mudéjar ribbed vault with six- and eight-pointed stars and Florentine-style windows. The tower, added in the 17th century, does not follow the style of the rest of the building. Today it functions as a museum space, with no regular religious services.
Add it to your trip on Wanloria →Things to do at Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor: 3 missions
- Look for the stars of the main vaultIn the main chapel, look up at the Gothic-Mudéjar ribbed vault and find the six- and eight-pointed stars.
- Find the scallop-shell niches on the façadeOutside, above the doors of the façade, look for the shell-shaped niches and the fluted pinnacles.
- Count the naves and the Ionic columnsInside the church, identify the three naves separated by the Ionic columns that hold up the basilica structure.
Near Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to visit Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor?
From €1.50 per person. Check the day's price on the official website before you go.
What are the opening hours of Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor?
Todos los días 10:00-18:00 (taquilla cierra media hora antes). Horario especial 10:00-15:00 el 24 y 31 de diciembre y el 5 de enero. Cerrado el 25 de diciembre, 1 y 6 de enero.
How much time do you need for Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor?
Allow about 30 min for the visit.
What is there to do at Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor?
Look for the stars of the main vault, Find the scallop-shell niches on the façade and Count the naves and the Ionic columns.
What is there to see near Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor?
Antequera Alcazaba (142 m), Antequera City Museum (257 m) and Museo conventual de las Descalzas de Antequera (286 m).
Source: Turismo de Antequera - Real Colegiata de Santa María la Mayor