The province with the most castles in Spain: an unexplored land of fascinating architecture and natural wonders

Jaén is a wild beauty, an indomitable nature area like no other. At the same time, it’s a precious historical setting where the presence of many different cultures is still alive today. This province always surprises first-time visitors with the many charms it holds. Come with us on this adventure and let’s unveil Jaén’s secrets.

An admirable historical heritage

Fascinating archaeology

There are many archaeological sites in Jaén, but they are all equally outstanding. The Museo de Jaén is the perfect choice if you want to dive into its heritage without leaving the capital. But if you’d rather explore these fantastic settings on your own, many corners, such as the fascinating Giribaile, await you. Hidden among many olive trees, it includes a prehistoric sanctuary, an impressive Iberian hamlet, an old monastery and an old Almohade castle.

The chamber tomb of Toya is remarkable too, a great princely tomb of monumental character. This Cyclopean construction takes us to the world of the Iberian aristocracy, their funeral rites and their beliefs about the afterlife. For instance, here have been found receptacles where they kept their goods and urns and recesses where they placed their offerings. Besides, many elements that bring us to antique eras, such as samples of pottery from ancient Greece, have survived the passing of time.

Jaén, land of castles

From wars between the Romans and the Carthaginians to the Battle of Bailén, mentioning of course the Reconquista and other epic events such as the Navas de Tolosa. Jaén has been the arena of infinite historical battles. It is no wonder that it is the Spanish province with the most castles. Some of them are the true protagonists of their area, such as the Castle of La Iruela, which watches over the village from the top of a cliff in the heart of the Sierra de Cazorla.

The Castle of Burgalimar will also take your breath away, and it’s the oldest castle in Spain still standing. It sits in the locality of Baños de la Encina and, besides its great state of conversation, it is popular for the impressive silhouette of its 14 towers. This symbol of the Caliphate era actually dates back to even older times, to the legendary culture of El Argar.

The Renaissance gems

After the severity of the old and medieval times, Jaén became one of the epicentres of Renaissance refinement. Actually, two of Jaén’s cities, Úbeda and Baeza, were declared World Heritage Sites thanks to their fabulous Renaissance buildings.

Úbeda was extremely prosperous in the 16th century and is home to many wonders, such as the Sacra Capilla del Salvador, one of the most beautiful churches in Spain. Other must-sees include the Santa María de los Reales Alcázares and the Oratorio de San Juan de la Cruz, great examples of the splendour of past times. In Baeza, you should take your time to appreciate its cathedral, built behind the beautiful Fuente de Santa María, but the other churches are also worth a visit if you’re ever in the city known for its importance during the Reconquista.

Villages of Jaén that charm every heart

Jaén is home to gorgeous villages that preserve a unique essence with Arabic traces and breathtaking landscapes. Sabiote is one of the most impressive villages, since its walls hide a very significant historical complex crowned by a sensational castle that can be visited.

Segura de la Sierra should be mentioned as well. Declared a Historic-Artistic Complex, this place takes the visitor back to the old Arabic world. You’ll even find Arab thermal baths! The house of the Spanish poet Jorge Manrique and one of the grandiose castles in the province are important tourist attractions in the area too.

In the area near the Sierra de Cazorla sit two villages that add the power of nature to their own unquestionable beauty. One of them shares its name with the mountain range around it, Cazorla, which evokes legends and enjoys exceptional architecture. The other one was mentioned previously: La Iruela. This small village is near Cazorla. Admiring its castle, walking through its white streets, and enjoying the unparalleled views of its surroundings are the best things to do in La Iruela.

Natural wonders of Jaén: wildlife to explore

Despeñaperros Natural Park

Despeñaperros is the common path to Andalucía, but it is also an invaluable natural park that covers more than 8,000 hectares of protected land, crossed by the famous gorge that watches over the river from an height of more than 500 metres. Plenty of holm oaks, cork oaks and pine trees are home to some of the best examples of the breathtaking Iberian fauna, such as the lynx and the wolf.

Many grottoes await you in this protected area, such as the Cueva de los Muñecos, of great geological value, and other places where Neolithic paintings are still preserved.

The Cimbarra Waterfall

In the north of the province, not far from Despeñaperros, lies one of the most attractive places and the Cimbarra Waterfall, declared a protected natural area. The Guarrizas River falls for 20 metres in total, crossing a fault that can’t be forgotten. The beauty of this corner of the Sierra Morena comes to life through the sound of the falling water and the presence of otters, river kingfishers and other species.

Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas

The Sierras de Cazorla, Segura y las Villas Natural Park is the largest protected area in Spain and the second largest in Europe. Due to its vastness, it is home to diverse populations, mountains and deep canyons in a landscape full of mythical echoes.

Of course, here are many waterfalls, such as the Cascada de las Calaveras, and other environments that seem straight out of a fairy tale, such as the Cave of Agua de Tíscar and the Anguijones Cave.

Sierra Mágina

Not far from the capital, the landscape changes dramatically and the highest peak in the province rises high: the Mágina, with a height of over 2,000 metres. The magnitude of this unevenness creates a wide variety of ecosystems that can be explored through many routes and paths.

There are more waterfalls in the Sierra Mágina Natural Park, such as the sometimes frozen Zurreón Waterfall. Its viewpoints and castles are important tourist attractions too. The nearby spring waters a beautiful area of cherry and fig trees. However, wildlife takes over the landscape near this setting, and many Iberian ibexes and birds of prey wander around it.

You can also read this article in Spanish.

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