El Torcal Antequera
El Torcal Antequera
a short introduction
El Torcal de Antequera is a nature reserve in the Sierra del Torcal mountain range located south of the city of Antequera, in the province of Málaga off the A45 road in Andalusia.
It is known for its unusual landforms and is regarded as one of the most impressive karst landscapes in Europe.
The area was designated a Natural Site of National Interest in July 1929, and a Natural Park Reserve of about 17 square kilometres was created in October
El Torcal
El Torcal
The Sierra del Torcal (or El Torcal) is a small mountain range separating the cities of Antequera and Málaga.
It has four geological sections: Sierra Pelada, Torcal Alto, Torcal Bajo and Tajos and Laderas.
The highest point in El Torcal is Camorro de las Siete Mesas (1336 m) in the Torcal Alto.
El Torcal
El Torcal
four well-distinguished areas:
Sierra Pelada,
Torcal Alto (High Torcal)
Torcal Bajo (Low Torcal), Tajos (ravines)
Laderas (slopes).
The whole massif is formed by limestone rocks which were originated in the seabed during the Jurassic period, around 150 million years ago.
Torcal
The materials placed under the sea uplifted as a result of the Eo-Alpine phase.
Later on, a series of fractures caused several cracks and fault systems which formed what we now know as alleys or “corridors”.
Since then, the rocks are subject to the characteristic karst model of erosion which causes the so-called “imitative forms” and what makes this landscape a real museum of natural sculptures, being some of them individually recognized.
Town below El Torcal is Villanueva de la Concepcion
Useful Links
Paraje Natural Torcal de Antequera (official park site, include a walking map for download)
Antequera Directa a tu corazon (Antequera information, where to stay, where to eat, shopping)
