Pronounced Hay-ain, Jaén is located in the shadow of the Santa Catalina Hill. Nestled between Granada and Córdoba, Jaén is a stunning location that mixes impressive churches and awe-inspiring castles with lush forestry.  Over 8,000 acres of preserved forestland surround Jaén.

 

Jaén’s people, the Jiennense, are quiet, hard workers. Rich farmlands are scattered throughout the area, providing pleasant landscapes. Jiennense are warm and friendly souls who enjoy sharing their town with visitors.

In the third century, Escípíon conquered the area of Jaén. It was not long before it was taken by the Carthaginians. Five hundred years later, Arabs gained control and named the town “Geen” or Passage of the Caravans. During this time, the Arabs built incredible fortresses around the city to strengthen its military barriers. This worked well as it remained an Arab dominated town until the 13th century.

 

In 1246, King Fernando III claimed the city for the Christians. Many battles between the Moors and the Christians took place, but it remained under Christian control.

 

As time passed, the area seemed to become a land forgotten by tourists. In the 1960s, tourism boomed and the area found small boutiques and cafes popping up on every corner. Tourism became a major part of the city’s lifestyle.

No trip to Jaén is complete without first stopping at Baños, Árabes, an 11th century bathhouse built for a Moorish chieftain. The baths boast ceramic baths, star shaped windows, and large archways. Housed adjacent to Palacio Villardompardo, guests can enjoy the sites of both the bath and the attached museum that houses many fine paintings and various handmade items.

 

Castillo de Santa Catalina is the hilltop castle built by the Arabs/Moors, as a means to protect their city from invaders. The stunning pale gray castle appears to have grown out of the mountain. Views from the castle are breathtaking; you can literally see for miles. Once inside the castle, visitors are urged to take in the castle’s six towers and the haunting jails.

 

Visits to Catedral de Santa María are free, however there is a small charge to visit the attached museum.  Inside the museum are baroque paintings by Jusepe de Ribera. The cathedral is built on a former mosque. Due to its historic foundations, it contains amazing architectural detail.

 

Capilla de San Andrés was founded in the 1500’s by a treasurer to Pope Leo X. The chapel contains an impressive wrought iron screen that draws tourists in.

 

Museo Provincial offers many Roman sculptures, Roman mosaics, and Iberian, Greek, and Roman ceramics. Three buildings house the museums impressive collection that offers a visual history of Jaén.

 

Real Monasterio de Santa Clara was created during the 13th century. The church has gorgeous ceilings, but the highlight of the Real Monasterio de Santa Clara is a replica of Christ’s image made solely out of bamboo.

Considered the administrative capital of Andalusia, Jaén is an area rich with textile and agricultural manufacturing. Tanneries, distilleries, cookie/baked product manufacturers, and chemical plants all feed the area’s economy.

 

Jaén is known for their copious, locally produced olive oil. Dubbed “liquid gold” by the locals, Jaén exports large quantities of the tasty oil every year.

 

Sweet figs grow well in the area of Jaén. Figs can be dried or remain fresh. Figs are then shipped to areas all over the world where they remain a popular dried fruit for breads, snacks, or even jams.

 

Tourism is a strong industry bringing thousands to the area every year. The rich history and exquisite olive oils keep people coming back year after year.

Because Jaén is the olive oil capital of the world, obviously the regional dishes utilize olives and olive oil regularly.  This is not the only product on which local chefs focus their attention.  Fresh seafood, wild game, and locally grown vegetables are also incredibly popular.  Ajilimoje is a popular spread made from garlic, olive oil, parsley, salt, and vinegar that is served with potatoes or crusts of bread.  Another local dish, Pippirana mixes a salad from fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onion, peppers, olive oil, vinegar, and cod or tuna.

 

Many area dishes include fresh or dried figs, tomatoes, and even raisins.  The sweetness of the figs and tomatoes compliment each other well.  If you’ve never experienced a rich baked dish with tomatoes and figs, you are missing a real delicacy.

 

Casa Antonio is one of the area’s most popular restaurants.  Prawns served in a creamy mushroom and olive sauce and roast suckling pig with fresh figs are two of the restaurant’s specialties.

Möet (a bar, not the champagne) is located near the train station, so expect some noise. The bar caters to the younger, college crowd. Möet offers a D.J. on Monday through Wednesday. The rest of the week the bar turns into a lively dance club with no cover charge. Drinks and tapas are served.

 

On a hill above the cathedral is a Flamenco spot called Peña Flamenco Jaén. This is a trendy spot where local Flamenco dancers show off their talents. There is no cover charge. Drinks and tapas are available. If you are not scared of trying new things, definitely order a glass of the locally made Manzanillo, an apple liqueur.

 

Stroll down Calle Nueva for a fine selection of tapas bars. These bars serve free or extremely low priced appetizers with all alcoholic beverages. Snacks can range from olive platters to fried fish morsels, but all dishes are regional and offer an outstanding view into the area’s cuisine.

For a memorable vacation, you should add Jaén to your itinerary. The combination of historic sites, impressive cuisine, and unique gardens and olive groves all stand out.

 

Jaén is easy to reach by car, train, bus, or airplane. There is nothing stopping you from visiting Jaén  today. Head off on a journey to a land that you will never forget.