What to see in Jaén

If you wonder what to see in Jaén Because you want to visit the Andalusian city, we will tell you that it has an impressive monumental heritage. This has been conformed throughout its long history, which includes, at least, from Iberian times, as evidenced by the archaeological site of the Hill of the Plaza de Armas of Puente Tablas.

Later, Jaén would be the capital of Holy kingdom until the XNUMXth century. But, in addition, the Andalusian city is located in a privileged environment, at the foot of the Santa Catalina hill and the mount Jabalcuz, in which you have several hiking trails, and surrounded by olive groves. If you want to discover what to see in Jaén, we encourage you to continue reading.

Cathedral of the Assumption

It is an imposing temple of Renaissance style, although its facade is one of the jewels of the Spanish Baroque. Declared a Cultural Historical Monument, its construction began in the XNUMXth century and lasted for the following centuries. Furthermore, after the earthquake in Lisbon, had to be restored. But, if its exterior is beautiful, it is even more spectacular what you can see inside.

For example, the neoclassical choir, which is one of the largest in Spain, and the chapter house, the work of Andres de Vandelvira. But, above all, you must visit inside the relic of the Holy Face, considered the true face of Jesus Christ. It is the canvas with which Veronica would have dried the face of the Lord during the Passion.

Other temples and religious buildings to see in Jaén

Next to the cathedral, you have many other religious buildings of enormous beauty in the Andalusian city. Among them, the basilica of San Ildefonso, of Gothic style and that houses the image of the Virgin of the Chapel, co-patron of Jaén. We also advise you to visit the churches of Santa María Magdalena, San Juan Bautista, considered the oldest in the city, or San Andres, which houses the Holy Chapel, a prayer room dedicated to the Immaculate Conception.

On the other hand, there are also convent buildings to visit in Jaén. Among them the Royal Convent of Santo Domingo, current headquarters of the Provincial Historical Archive. Its façade is Mannerist in style and has a church built in the XNUMXth century. But the main wonder that you can see in this monastery is the cloister, considered the largest in the city and in which its sixty Tuscan columns and twenty-eight semicircular arches stand out.

Arab Baths and Palace of the Count of Villardompardo

The palace, built in the XNUMXth century, is a marvel Renaissance, although its main door was made in the nineteenth century. Inside, the central patio with a double gallery of columns stands out and to which different rooms of the building open.

Also, in the basement of the palace you can visit the old Arab baths, considered the largest preserved in Europe, with its 450 square meters. Dating from the XNUMXth century, they have several rooms decorated following the canons of Almoravid and Almohad art.

It also houses the Villardompardo palace, two museums that you will be interested in seeing. Are the Naive Art International, based on the painter's collection Manuel Morales, as well as the of Arts and Popular Customs, which has an important ethnographic value.

Other palaces you can see in Jaén

Villardompardo is not the only palatial building that you can see in Jaén. In fact, we recommend that you do not miss the precious Palace of the Vilches, with its impressive Renaissance façade; the of the Viscount de los Villares or the Count-Duke, located next to the baroque monastery of Santa Teresa de Jesús; the Provincial palace, built in the XNUMXth century and which has an important collection of paintings, or the Town Hall, which is inspired by the previous one, but is an eclectic gem of XNUMXth century architecture.

But, perhaps, the most original and striking palace in Jaén is that of Constable Iranzo for its spectacular Mudejar style. Sample of the survival of Muslim art after the Christian conquest of the city, if you can, visit its impressive hall with aljarfe or ceiling with carved wood. Currently, it is the headquarters of the Municipal Library.

Castle of Santa Catalina

It is probably the best known monument in Jaén. It is located on the hill of the same name and was built in medieval times on the remains of an old Arab fortress. In fact, the complex has, next to it, two other enclosures: the Old Alcazar and I opened, although a good part of these remains were removed to build the national parador de turismo.

The keep of the castle is forty meters high and inside it has an interpretation center. But, above all, from it you have wonderful views of Jaén and the olive groves and the mountains that surround the city.

Likewise, in the group, the Chapel of Saint Catherine of Alexandria, built between the XNUMXth and XNUMXth centuries in the Gothic style, and the cross, located in the highest part of the hill and which is a symbol of the city. In it you can also read a beautiful sonnet by the Jaen poet Antonio Almonds Aguilar.

The jewish

The city had a Hebrew presence for twelve centuries and the set of narrow and steep streets that make up its Jewish quarter are part of the network Paths of Sepharad next to towns such as Córdoba, Ávila, Béjar or Calahorra. It is also known as Santa Cruz neighborhood and, among its outstanding buildings are the Ibn Shaprut house, the Carnicerías, under which are the Naranjo baths, the menorah in the Plaza de los Orfanos and the remains of the Baeza gate, one of the entrances to the Wall.

But, perhaps, the most outstanding element of this neighborhood is the Royal Monastery of Santa Clara, XNUMXth century. As a curiosity, we will tell you that the women who are going to get married donate eggs to the Poor Clare nuns in order to have a good time on their wedding day.

Iberian Museum

It is another essential visit in Jaén, as it houses the largest collection of Iberian art in the world. Contains pieces from archaeological sites throughout the province. Among them stands out that of Tablas Bridge, which we have already mentioned. But they have also contributed numerous objects those of White Match in Porcuna, from Castulo in Linares, from Bird's Hill in Huelma or that of Watchtower in Fort of the King.

Old Hospital of San Juan de Dios

We will finish our tour of the city in this imposing building built in the XNUMXth century and then go on to tell you about the surroundings of Jaén. It stands out for its late Gothic façade and its beautiful Andalusian Renaissance-style patio, landscaped and with a central fountain. Next to the hospital, you can see a chapel restored, but retaining its XNUMXth century façade.

Parks and surroundings of Jaén

As we said, the Andalusian city has a privileged location and very beautiful surroundings where you can make interesting hiking and biking trails. Among them the one that passes through the mount Jabalcuz, which we have already mentioned and that travels between pines and olive groves. If you walk through it, you will also see the building of the old spa and its gardens, a group of buildings of great architectural value built at the beginning of the XNUMXth century.

The path that runs through the old town also offers beautiful landscapes Wall medieval town, the one that leads to the recreational area of ​​the Chimba Cross, where there is a nature classroom, and the one that goes to Neveral Pine Forests, near the castle of Santa Catalina.

However, you don't have to leave Jaén to enjoy nature. The city has several parks, many of them, in addition, of great beauty. Perhaps the most beautiful is the Capuchin Mall, which dates back to the XNUMXth century and has Renaissance-style gardens and a central avenue designed for the carriage ride. Very close to him is the Convent of the Franciscan Conception or de las Bernardas, built in the XNUMXth century.

The Concordia park, which is located next to the monument to the battles, dedicated to those of Las Navas de Tolosa and Bailén and made by the sculptor from Jaén Hyacinth Higueras in 1910.

But perhaps the most spectacular park in Jaén is that of Andrés de Valdenvira which, with its one hundred thousand square meters, is the largest in all of Andalusia. It has more than two thousand plant species, ponds, fountains, an amphitheater and even a soccer field. It is the main lung of the city and also a space where you can carry out sports activities.

In conclusion, we have talked to you about what to see in Jaén. As you have seen, the Andalusian city offers you many attractions. It has magnificent monuments, a privileged nature and a lot of animation. Regarding this, in addition, you can enjoy a magnificent gastronomy and of several tapas areas, a classic in Jaén. Among the typical dishes that you can taste in the Andalusian city, there are delicacies such as the roasted pepper salad, the pipirrana, the Jaén-style asparagus spinach, the bean and aubergine stew or the cod with onions. Without forgetting sweets such as pestiños, alfajores or ochíos. Don't you want to enjoy this beautiful Andalusian capital?