Jaén. What to see in the city

Jaén, Spain: what to see and what sights to visit

Jaén is a picturesque city in Spain, famous for its history and cultural heritage. It is located in the south of the country, in the autonomous region of Andalusia, just an hour's drive from Granada and 2 hours from Malaga. The city is known for producing excellent olive oil. So, when choosing oil to take home or give as a gift, if you see that it was produced in Jaén, go ahead and buy it, it will be delicious!

The origins of Jaén go back to the Roman era, when it was called ‘Aurgi’. During the Roman period, the city served as a significant hub for trade and agricultural production. It was also home to important cultural and religious sites, including temples and shrines dedicated to Roman deities.

After the fall of the Roman Empire, the city came under Muslim control and became known as Jaén. It was at this time that Haen established itself as a centre of agriculture and olive oil production. The city's architecture was enriched with palaces and mosques, emphasising its cultural and religious significance.

After the Christian conquest in 1246, Jaén began to grow strongly and, after a short time, became a prominent centre of religious and cultural life, manifested in Gothic and Renaissance architecture. The city decided to build numerous churches and cathedrals and became an important place for the production of ceramics and textiles.

Thanks to its long and interesting history, the city has gathered many attractions that deserve a must-see:

What to visit in Jaén

All the interesting places are not far from each other, if you have time, it will be best to take a leisurely stroll, enjoying the atmosphere of this city.

Cathedral of Jaén (Catedral de Jaén)

At the top of the list of attractions is invariably the Cathedral of Jaén. Its majestic façade, decorated with carved columns and sculptures, attracts tourists from all over the world. Inside the cathedral you can see magnificent altars, impressive stained glass windows and a rich collection of religious art. Every element of the interior is executed with meticulous attention to detail, making it one of Jaén's main historical and architectural attractions. Entrance is unfortunately chargeable, though inexpensive at 8 euros. It's a beautiful place that falls in love at first sight!  

Basilica of San Ildefonso(Basílica de San Ildefonso)

Without a doubt, it is now the most beautiful church in Haen after the Cathedral.But at first, it was an unassuming church whose significance changed in just one night. The story goes that on the night of 10-11 June 1430, a ghostly procession in white robes descended from heaven, led by the Holy Virgin Mary. They marched through the gloomy streets of the city to the humble church of San Ildefonso, where they mysteriously disappeared. Since then, this place has been considered the chosen place of the Holy Virgin herself, which attracts many people to the church to this day.
The Basilica of San Ildefonso is just five minutes from Jaén Cathedral and entry to this holy place is free.

Arabian baths (Baños Árabes)

One of the most unique sights in Jaén is the 11th century Arab baths. More than just an architectural monument, it is a living testament to the intercultural exchange and rich history of the country, an opportunity to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of medieval Spain and learn more about the Arab influence on the culture and architecture of Andalusia. It is located in the basement of the Palacio de Villardompardo in the historic centre of the city and admission is free.

Museum of Folk Art and Customs (Museo Internacional de Arte Naif Manuel Moral)

History and culture lovers should definitely visit the Museum of Folk Art and Customs, especially as it is housed in the Villardompardo Palace, above the Arab Baths. One of the main highlights of the museum is the impressive collection of folk costumes representing different eras and regions. In addition to this, the museum offers objects illustrating everyday life and crafts such as pottery, ceramics, weaving and blacksmithing. All these exhibits give visitors a glimpse into the past and a sense of the atmosphere of life in Andalusia. It is very interesting to walk here and imagine how people lived in past times, how they developed, what they wore, what they rode. Entrance is also free.

Castle of Santa Catalina (Castillo de Santa Catalina)

Perched on a hill, the majestic Santa Catalina Castle offers stunning views of the city and surrounding landscape. This historic structure dates back to the Arab period and is a great place to walk around the ancient stone walls and explore the rich history of the region. 
If you have the time and desire, you can easily reach the fortress on foot. It takes a little effort to climb the hill, but you can enjoy scenic views of the city and the surrounding area from the slopes of Santa Catalina Mountain. For those who like to travel more easily, there is a car road with a small free car park at the entrance to the fortress. You can just walk around and explore the castle from the outside. And some parts of it are open to the public for free, but the main entrance is chargeable at 3.5 euros. In summer on Wednesdays from 17:00 to 20:30 - free of charge.  

The olive groves of Jaén

As Jaén is known as the olive oil capital of the world, a walk through the vast olive groves will be a great way to experience the province. You can visit local industries, taste olive oil and even buy souvenirs to remember.

Finally, there are many other places around Jaén that are also worth a visit, such as Baeza, Ubeda, Sierra de Cazorla and Sierra de Andún Natural Park. For example, Baeza, Úbeda, Sierra de Cazorla and Parque Natural de la Sierra de Andújar. If you have time, be sure to visit them too!