Jaen, set on a plain surrounded by millions of olive trees and just an hour’s drive from Granada, is a hidden treasure with many cultural attractions and a great stop if you are visiting Andalusia.
What To See In Jaen
The Cathedral of Jaen is a grand Renaissance construction dating from the 16th century, which stands out from the beautiful whitewashed houses.This masterwork by Andrés de Vandelvira, served as a model for many Latin American cathedrals. The Cathedral of Jaen is home of the Holy Veil, which according to tradition was used by Saint Veronica to wash Christ’s face.
The castle of Santa Catalina is located in he oldest part of Jaen, dominating the city. From this height visitors can enjoy one of the best views of the city and an outstanding natural landscape. Santa Catalina is home to an interesting Visitor Centre with information about its history.
Ubeda, an easy drive from Jaen, is an elegant and cultural town included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Ubeda is one of the best places in Europe to see Renaissance architecture and get a feel for what life was like in that period. Along with its churches, palaces and mansions, the landscape of olive trees surrounding the town makes for an incredible experience.
The Castle of Burgalimar is the oldest castle in Spain and the second oldest in Europe. It is considered as one of the best preserved castles in the world. The Castle of Burgalimar is a perfect example of defensive architecture in a safe area. Elongated and with an oval shape, it is 100 meters long and almost 50 meters wide. The castle is also known as “the fortress of the seven kings” since in different periods seven kings had their residence there.
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