Discover 11 hidden attractions, cool sights, and unusual things to do in Jaén (Spain). Don't miss out on these must-see attractions: Jaén Cathedral, Church of the Sagrario, and Baños Árabes. Also, be sure to include Castillo de Santa Catalina in your itinerary.
Below, you can find the list of the most amazing places you should visit in Jaén (Andalusia).
Table of Contents
Jaén Cathedral
Also known as: Catedral de la Asunción de Jaén
Vast Renaissance cathedral and reliquary. The Assumption of the Virgin Cathedral is a Renaissance-style, Roman Catholic cathedral located in Santa María Square, opposite the Town Hall and the Episcopal Palace, in the center of Jaén, region of Andalusia, Spain.
The current cathedral was conceived in the 16th century to replace a previous 15th century Gothic edifice. Construction lasted for several centuries, with the original idea maintained. Of significance are the chapter house and sacristy, masterpieces of Andrés de Vandelvira and important examples of the Spanish Renaissance; the façade, built in the Baroque style with sculptures by Pedro Roldán; and the choir, built in the Neoclassical style and known as one of the largest in Spain.
Kept in the cathedral is a copy of the Veil of Veronica which probably dates from the 14th century, and originated in Siena. Acquired by Bishop Nicolás de Biedma, it is publicly displayed to the people every year on Good Friday and the Feast of the Assumption, as well as in a side chapel every Friday.[1]
Address: Plaza de Santa María, s/n, 23002 Jaén
Church of the Sagrario
The Church of the Sagrario is a building attached to the north facade of the Jaén Cathedral, made due to the unevenness and damage caused by the Lisbon earthquake of 1755. The project for this work was designed by the Madrid architect Ventura Rodríguez in 1764, although it was executed by his nephew Manuel Martín Rodríguez. It was inaugurated in 1801 and was consecrated on March 22 of that year.[2]
Address: Calle Campanas, Jaén
Baños Árabes
The Arab Baths of Jaén are a well-preserved historic hammam located in Jaén, Spain. The bathhouse dates from the 11th century during the Taifa or late Caliphal period, but may have undergone later alterations, probably in the 12th century. It is one of the largest known examples of Andalusi bathhouses, and is distinguished from others by its particularly large "warm room".
Following the Christian conquest of the city by Ferdinand III in 1246, the baths remained in use for a while until they were repurposed as tanneries. In the 16th century Don Fernando de Torres y Portugal (Count of Villardompardo and Viceroy of Peru) built himself a private palace on top of the baths, thus hiding them for centuries. They were only definitively rediscovered by Enrique Romero de Torres in 1913 during a survey of historic buildings in the city. Archeological studies later followed and the site was declared a Cultural Heritage Property of Spain in 1931. Today it is open to visitors as a historical attraction as part of the Palacio de Villardompardo.[3]
Address: Palacio de Villardompardo, 23004 Jaen
Castillo de Santa Catalina
Castle in Spain. Saint Catherine's Castle is a castle that sits on the Cerro de Santa Catalina overlooking the Spanish city of Jaén. It is now the site of a parador.[4]
Address: Calle Santa Catalina s/n, 23003 Jaen
Arc of San Lorenzo
Also known as: Arco de San Lorenzo
Tourist attraction in Jaén, Spain. The Arc of San Lorenzo in Jaén, Spain is at the crossroads of the streets Almendros Aguilar and Madre de Dios. It is part of the former Church of San Lorenzo, built between the 13th and 14th centuries. Its interior houses Moorish tilework and paneling, as well as a small chapel. It is also home to an association called Amigos de San Antón. It was declared a Bien de Interés Cultural in 1877.[5]
Biblioteca Pública Provincial de Jaén
Public library in Jaén, Spain. The Jaén Public Library is a public library located in Jaén, Spain.[6]
Address: Calle Santo Reino, 23003 Jaén
Stigma
Address: Calle pintor carmelo palomino, nº 16 bajo, Jaén
Plaza de Santa Maria
Relax in park, Park
Address: Plaza de Santa María, 1, Jaén
Iglesia de San Ildefonso
Church
Address: Plaza de San Ildefonso, Jaén
Baños Arabes
Museum
Iglesia de San Bartolomé
Relax in park, Park
Address: Calle de Gracia, 2, Jaén