Monday, June 23, 2025 has been recorded in the history of Antas as a memorable day: the Center for the Interpretation of the Argaric Culture (CICA) has officially opened its doors, becoming a cultural and heritage reference of first level in the southeastern peninsular.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the President of the Junta de Andalucía, Juan Manuel Moreno Bonilla, the President of the Diputación de Almería, Javier Aureliano García, regional and provincial authorities, researchers, chroniclers, neighbors of Antas and the whole region who wanted to join us in this special moment.
Mayor Pedro Ridao Zamora welcomed the authorities to give way to a guided tour of the new facilities and offered words of gratitude and emotion for the culmination of a long-awaited project:
“The CICA is not just a museum. It is a bridge between our past and our future, an educational and cultural tool that puts Antas on the map of international archaeology.”
📍Ubicado en calle Arrieros, 2, the CICA has more than 500 m² dedicated to the Argaric culture, one of the most advanced civilizations of the Bronze Age in Europe, and whose capital may have been in El Argar, the most emblematic site of our municipality.
The modern and accessible design of the exhibition space offers visitors a journey from the Paleolithic to the Caliphate period, with special emphasis on diadems, ceramics, weapons and Argaric utensils that tell us about the power, social organization and technological advances of that civilization. It also highlights the pedagogical approach, designed for schoolchildren, families and visitors of all ages, with interactive elements and adapted content.
The CICA thus joins the great cultural milestones that Antas is experiencing: archaeological excavations at Cabezo María, the recent discovery of a Byzantine Christian monastery, the First International Congress of Young Researchers “Luis Siret” and a lively agenda of heritage and educational activities.
Thanks to all of you who have made this possible: institutions, researchers, technicians, neighbors. This is a collective achievement, the result of collaboration, vision and commitment to our roots.
The past of El Argar beats stronger than ever in Antas.
