Culture

The past that seduces you in the present

When someone visits Jaén they embark on an incredible adventure that they will not be able to forget. Archaeological sites from prehistoric times, an exceptional Iberian legacy, the largest concentration of castles in Europe and an impressive Renaissance heritage declared a World Heritage Site, will make you relive the heritage of other cultures.

Jaén keeps a surprising cultural heritage with its own signs of identity, inheritance of the peoples that inhabited it: Iberians, Romans, Muslims, Jews, Christians ... they left in the province of Jaén an incalculable heritage treasure full of history, archeology, legends, customs, famous people ...
Jaén has six sets of cave paintings classified as World Heritage Sites, an impressive archaeological and museum potential from prehistoric, Iberian, Roman and Islamic times, a wide variety of medieval fortifications and remains, the main examples of which make up the Route of the Castles and the Battles, that of the Nasrid or that of the Caliphate.
It also has an impressive monumental heritage of civil and religious character inherited from the Renaissance period, whose maximum
Examples are the cities of Úbeda and Baeza declared "World Heritage Sites" by UNESCO.
In addition, the province of Jaén is the cradle of Iberian culture, a territory with imposing fortified cities, sanctuaries, necropolis and vestiges of battles that changed history.

Úbeda and Baeza, World Heritage

The cities of Úbeda and Baeza, which have been declared World Heritage Sites, have preserved that spell from 500 years ago and have become the greatest exponents of the Spanish Renaissance. Surrounded by olive groves with the Guadalquivir River at their feet, these two cities preserve the original layout of ancient times between their streets. Úbeda represents private architecture and civil power, and Baeza represents public architecture and religious power. The two most outstanding figures of those times were Francisco de los Cobos, secretary to Charles I, and his architect Andrés de Vandelvira, author of the most superb monuments in both cities.

The uniqueness of Úbeda and Baeza is evident in their urban planning and important buildings.

In Úbeda we find the Plaza Vázquez de Molina, considered one of the most beautiful in Europe, is an open area where the most outstanding monuments of the Renaissance stand out, such as the Funeral Chapel of the Saviour of the World ...

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Jaén, Capital of Paradise

You will be surprised in the city of Jaén. Its historical and cultural heritage is incredible and you are sure to discover how history and its people are connected through their memory. Traditionally, Jaén has been a place of passage and frontier, since different millenary cultures inhabited its lands, and even where Muslims, Christians and Jews came to live in harmony for centuries. But Jaén's history is anchored in time and has a past that goes back to prehistoric times, with the origin of an economy rooted in the land that has left its influence with the common cultural and economic denominator around the olive tree, the greatest wealth of this land and which makes Jaén the World Capital of Olive Oil.

Among the cultural jewels that Jaen has, we highlight the Cathedral, a key piece of the Spanish Renaissance.

Also the Arab Baths, the largest and most important in Europe, and the Provincial Museum, which treasures archaeological remains among which the history of the Iberian people stands out. A must see is the Santa Catalina Castle, a privileged viewpoint from where you can enjoy the unparalleled beauty of the olive tree landscape. From the Santa Catalina hill you will be able to observe how towers and bell towers of medieval churches and convents rise, and a historical centre with unforgettable corners. 

Cultural Routes

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Mining Heritage


The landscape of old mines and Mediterranean mountains of the old Mining District extends to eight municipalities: Linares, La Carolina, Bailén, Baños de la Encina, Vilches, Guarromán, Santa Elena and Carboneros.
The mining activity of the Linares – La Carolina mining district extends over 4,000 years, as shown by archaeological investigations. Its importance was such that in the year 1869 the production of lead surpassed that of all England. The exploitation remained active until 1991, when the last mine in Linares closed due to lack of profitability. Since then local associations and city councils have started promoting this interesting heritage. In 1999, due to the uniqueness, abundance and quality of this industrial mining landscape, heritage experts described the area in the British press as "Europe's best kept secret." In the entire mining region you can find remains of industrial archeology of great interest, some unique examples in the world. This scattered set of buildings, railway stations, powerhouses, chimneys, rafters and roads, explain the history of one of the southern parts of Europe where the Industrial Revolution took place, where English, Belgian, French and French communities lived together. Spanish. This combination of history and use of natural resources is an unbeatable pretext for visiting the chimney landscape, the landscape that welcomes visitors who come to Andalusia from the north.
 

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