The 40th session of the World Heritage convention, from July 10 to July 20 ended with a number of sites across the world being declared World Heritage sites.
The 40th session of the World Heritage convention, from July 10 to July 20 ended with a number of sites across the world being declared World Heritage sites.
After some discussion on whether the dolmens of Antequera should get the status of World Heritage sites, these megalithic structures dating back to the Bronze era, were declared worthy of the label.
Dolmens are megalithic tombs. There are three dolmen sites in Antequera - Dolmen de Menga, Dolmen de Viera and Tholos de El Romeral.
Among the three the Menga dolmen is more popular as on summer solstice, June 21, sun shines over the peak of the Peña de los Enamorados and straight into the dolmen's entrance corridors.
Check out some of the photos of these historic sites, that have developed a character of its own, biding the sands of time.
1. Entrance to Viera dolmen
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People are led by a guide (C) as they enter the Viera dolmen at Antequera Dolmens Site, which was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site during the 40th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Istanbul. (Photo courtesy - Reuters)
2. Stone formations at dolmen site
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A newly married couple poses for a wedding photographer on the mountainous formations of El Torcal nature park at Antequera Dolmens Site, which was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site during the 40th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Istanbul. (Photo courtesy - Reuters)
3. Entrance to Viera Dolmen
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A woman takes a photo inside the Viera dolmen at Antequera Dolmens Site, which was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site during the 40th Session of the World Heritage Committee. In the small city of Antequera, these dolmens are a major tourist attraction. (Photo courtesy - Reuters)
4. Outside El Romeral
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People walk outside the Tholos de El Romeral Dolmen at Antequera Dolmens Site, which was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site during the 40th Session of the World Heritage Committee. (Photo courtesy - Reuters)
5. Inside the Tholos de El Romeral
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People walk inside the Tholos de El Romeral dolmen at Antequera Dolmens Site, which was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site during the 40th Session of the World Heritage Committee held in Istanbul. (Photo courtesy - Reuters)
6. Inside Menga Dolmen
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People walk inside the Menga dolmen at Antequera Dolmens Site, which was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site during the 40th Session of the World Heritage Committee. (Photo courtesy - Reuters)
7. Pena de los Enamorados mountain
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The Pena de los Enamorados mountain (rear) is seen at Antequera Dolmens Site, which was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage site during the 40th Session of the World Heritage Committee. (Photo courtesy - Reuters)
