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Jaen Castles
The capital of the province with the largest number of protected areas in Spain is in a landscape surrounded by olive trees. Also, Jaen capital has magnificent monuments, museums and curious details to reveal to us.
Santa Catalina Castle
The stately, Moorish Castle of Santa Catalina is proudly set on top of Mount Catalina, today made into a Parador Hotel. Perched on a rocky crag 5 km from the centre of Jaen, the castle is the city's crowning glory.This castle was built by theNasrid king, Alhamar , which was builder of Granada's Alhambra. However, King Ferdinand III, captured this castle from him in 1246 on the feast day of Santa Catalina. Santa Catalina consequently becameJaen's patron saint, and when the Christians built a new castle and a chapel on this site, they dedicated them to her. The Castle of Santa Catalina is currently a hotel, theParador de Turismo - a great if somewhat expensive place to spend the night.
Santa Catalina castle is accessed by a tarmac road that winds round the hill. Once at the top there is limited parking. Entrance to the castle is 3€ at the time of writing and it is a pleasant wander around the grounds. The castle has now been totally restored and is open to the public. There are information boards in several languages, explaining the different rooms of the castle.
Castillo de la Yedra
This ancient fortress has an Roman origin and is located on Cazorla's highest point. This building was restored by the Arabs during the 14th. century. Today is owned by the "Junta de Andalucia". Inside of the "Torre del Homenaje", you'll find a museum: The "Museo de Arte y Costumbres Populares del Alto Gudalquivir".
Castillo de La Iruela
Just a kilometre north of Cazorla, the village of La Iruela contains the dramatic sight of a ruined castle perched in an unlikely position on top of an almost vertical pinnacle of rock. The castle of LaIruela is one of the most interesting fortresses of Arab origin in the Kingdom of Jaen, and with its picturesque beauty it is one of the most romantic castles in romanticAndalucia. It is located near Cazorla, in the foothills of the mountain range bearing the same name.
Castillo de Albánchez
This castle is located on the top of a crag in the Albanche de Uceda, in the "Sierra Magina" natural park, in the province of Jaén. Worth a visit in Albánchez is the castle, although it is perhaps more spectacular from the outside. Also of note are the Renaissance Church (La Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción), some Iberian and Roman remains, and numerous natural springs.
Castillo de Siles
What it is of the castle is a cylindrical tower called El Cubo, that conserves a circular vault in first stage and another Gothic one in the second, whereas the third floor is outdoors.
Castillo de Salvatierra
Before getting into Andalusia, this route goes across Calatrava la Vieja, the ruins of Salvatierra castle, and Calatrava la Nueva fortress, one of the biggest one in Europe. Located in the top of 'Pecho Salvatierra'. It has a difficult access. It conserves a pentagonal tower and wall remains.
Castillo de Burgalimar
This amazing castle, considered one of the most interesting in Europe, is a rare jewel of the architecture of the caliphs dating back more than ten centuries. It has been a National Monument since 1931 and is one of the few constructions that have been so well preserved up to the present day. Below the castle lies the town.
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