Jaén – City of the Cathedral and Olive Oil

Jaén, another pearl of Andalusia, with its sometimes steep slopes leading directly up to the castle of Santa Catalina, which, together with the truly spectacular Cathedral of the Assumption and the Monument to the Battles in the square of the same name, are an absolute must for any lover of Andalusia. Jaén, the city that smells of arguably the best olive oil in Spain, is a truly unforgettable aroma that emanates from the numerous tapas bars in all quarters of the city.

In the Andalusian city of Jaén and the region of the same name around Jaén, there are so many historical monuments and natural parks that it is hard to know where to start with recommendations.

To shop for food, Andalusian specialities and other delicacies, it is best to visit the Mercado Central de Abastos de San Francisco in the morning. Here shopping becomes an unforgettable experience, because nowhere else can you get to know and love the Spanish way of life so well!

A stroll through the city walls reveals evidence of prehistoric times, Iberian, Roman, Visigothic and early Christian culture, and Hispano-Muslim culture.

The historic Jewish quarter, the Barrio de la Judería, with its narrow streets and white houses, is an excellent place to start sightseeing in Jaén and to get in the mood for the Spanish way of life. The main entrance to this quarter is in the west of Jaén, and the best way to enter it is through the Callejón del Gato. A walk through the historic streets will take you to the old synagogue, now the Church of San Andrés, and the Palace of Villardompardo with the Arab baths inside. Then continue to Calle Santa Cruz, as the quarter is often called.

Of course, you also have to see the famous cathedral of Jaén, the “Catedral de la Asunción”, with its baroque façade from the 16th century.

Be sure to visit the small basilica of San Ildefonso with its three magnificent different façades in Gothic, Mannerist and Neoclassical styles. It is dedicated to Nuestra Señora de la Capilla, the patron saint of Jaén.

For culture lovers, a visit to one of Jaén’s very worthwhile museums is a must, for example, the Museo de Artes y Costumbres Populares, the Museum of Popular Art and Customs, or the Museo de Jaén, which is dedicated to both archaeology and the fine arts.

And if you want to make a short excursion, but still leave the car behind and walk a little, it’s worth taking a walk through fragrant pine groves to the hill of Santa Catalina and visiting the legendary castle of the same name, the Castillo de Jaén.
the Castillo de Santa Catalina, which is steeped in legend.

Tours by bus and car in the province of Jaén

The village of Villardompardo in the region of La Campiña near Jaén, only 20 km away, is well worth a visit, for there once stood a mighty castle, built in the 13th century, which today can be admired as an impressive ruin and as a UNESCO cultural heritage site.

Just 50 km from Jaén, at the foot of the Sierra Ahillos in the Sierra Sur, is the picturesque town of Alcaudete. Alcaudete has one of the best-preserved defensive fortifications in the province of Jaén, and is worth a visit! The town hall and Plaza 28 de Febrero form the centre of the municipality of Alcaudete, which has many churches well worth seeing, for example, the beautiful church of Santa María la Mayor.

More extensive excursions in the province of Jaén by car or bus also offer many places and buildings worth seeing, such as the town of Hornos with its natural park and Moorish castle (located about 105km from Jaén), or the exceptionally impressive castle of La Yedra in Cazorla (located about 110km from Jaén).