Jaén Province
The province of Jaén is the largest producer of olives and olive oil products in the western hemisphere.
The figures speak from themselves. Up to 15% of total world production and 45% of national production of olive oil issues from this single province of Spain.
Jaén province contains the largest extension of protected natural areas in Spain.
The four national parks of Sierra de Andujar, Despeñaperros, Sierra Magina and the Sierras of Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas - which are the most extensive areas of woodland in Spain - and its many natural reserves, turn it into a singular destination for those seeking the tranquillity of unspoilt nature, as well as being an ideal destination for those seeking extreme sports.
The Sierra de Cazorla, Segura and Las Villas National Park has been declared a Biosphere Reservation by UNESCO and as a Protected Area for birds by the European Union.
Jaén’s history is marked by battles to gain control. It was the battle of Navas de Tolosa in 1212 that finally marked the successful breaching of Muslim strength by a combined Christian force of Alfonso VIII of Castille, Pedro II of Aragón and Sancho IV of Navarra. Here too, the battle of Bailén between France and Spain in 1808 was the turning point of Napoleon's Spanish adventure.
All this has assured that Jaén has become an attractive tourist destination and the routes to follow are many.
These include the Olive Route, the Route of Castles and Battles, Journey in the time of the Iberians, the Route of the Caliphates, the Route of the Nazarís, and the famous Renaissance Route.
More information: http://www.promojaen.es/
Routes and Places worth a Visit
The Renaissance Route. The Renaissance, the rebirth of Europe, swept through Jaén like wildfire; its influence reaching into just about every corner and leaving us a legacy that is a unique glimpse of a country at the peak of its confidence in one of the golden ages of its history. This route takes in places such as Úbeda and Baeza and many other towns throughout Jaén.
The Route of the Caliphates. This route crosses the lands once known as Al-Andalus and joins together the capital cities of the ancient Caliphate. At the end of the Middle Ages this territory divided Christian Spain from Muslim Al-Andalus and a much disputed frontier zone, or no-man’s land, was situated in the province of Jaén.
Starting in Córdoba and passing through Jaén on its way to Granada, the route follows a chain formed by impregnable links made up of castles, watchtowers and fortresses and takes in places like Luque, Alcaudete, Castillo de Locubín and Alcalá la Reál.
Alcalá la Reál, is home to the spectacular Al-Andalus fortress of ‘La Mota’. This is so special that it was declared an Historical and National Monument as early as 1931. The Castle is built around a parade ground that was the military enclosure of the ancient Muslim city.
Constructed in the year 727, Roman ruins, the castle has been extensively restored to reflect the vitality and power that it must have displayed over 1,000 years ago.
Important Fiestas
February, Carnival in Jaén capital city.
1st May, Romeria to the Patron Saint, the Virgin of Guadalpe, held in the classic Renaissance town of Úbeda. July, the Fiestas of the Renaissance. Unmissable.
Baeza. 3rd of May, the colourful Cruces de Mayo.
Linares, 27th August, the popular Fiesta of San Agustín.
