Top Things to do in Jaen
Top 10 Things to do in Jaen, Spain
Discover the best top things to do in Jaen, Spain including Centro Cultural Banos Arabes, Jaen Cathedral, Castillo de Santa Catalina, La Cruz, Museum of Jaen, Centro Cultural Palacio de Villardompardo, Church of San Ildefonso, Hornos de Segura, Alcaudete, Arco de San Lorenzo.
Restaurants in Jaen
1. Centro Cultural Banos Arabes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 522 reviews
Reviewed By Aliceband979 - Aylesbury
We visited the baths during the recent heatwave so it provided welcome cool refuge from the searing heat outside. The explanatory film was easy to get the gist of how the baths worked even if (like us) your Spanish is rudimentary. It was really interesting, especially seeing the remains under the glass floor.
2. Jaen Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 980 reviews
Reviewed By TravelsofCorina - Orlando, Florida
Another lovely Cathedral of Spain. I found this one quite unique as the ceilings had beautiful designs and character to them. It is well maintained and a beauty inside and outside. We went during a mass so we got in for free, otherwise, I believe it is €5 to go in. You can find the mass times online or outside the Cathedral.
3. Castillo de Santa Catalina
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 599 reviews
Reviewed By Dan G - Stockholm, Sweden
My father and his family for many generations have been born in Jaèn and as a child growing up in Australia to Spanish parents i always dreamed of returning to the town my family came from. The beautiful castle is the same castle my dad used to speak about and tell me stories and history lessons of it. The view from the top of the tower is absolutely spectacular and you can see all of Jaèn from the top. I went with my wife and family from Jaèn and it was wonderful. Its a must-see place in Jaèn! So much history in the walls and you can imagine the past. Highly recommended.
4. La Cruz
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 274 reviews
Reviewed By Robert S - San Ramon, California
This is an easy walk past the Castle to the monument of the cross. The views are worth the short walk that is relatively flat. It does have a few steps along the way, however it nothing that is difficult. There were several elderly ladies in low heals that,are the walk without a problem.
5. Museum of Jaen
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 83 reviews
Monday Closed
Reviewed By Clanranald - Glasgow, United Kingdom
As well as being an insight into the history of Jaen (which is interesting indeed) there's an impressive art gallery on the first floor. Free of charge to EU citizens too
6. Centro Cultural Palacio de Villardompardo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 65 reviews
Reviewed By BennyMalaga - Malaga, Spain
The Villardompardo Palace is located in the old Moorish quarter of the city, the Magdalena quarter, where the streets are very narrow, and it is difficult to find if one does not come from the direction of the Cathedral. The palace was built in 1592 and it sits on top of the largest Arab baths in Europe, which can be seen in the basement. The Arab baths are in very good condition and date from the 11th century. After the Christian conquest, all the Arab baths in the city were abandoned and not used, so most of them were lost to posterity. It was only in 1913 that the baths were discovered when work was done to extend the building. Restoration took place and in 1985 work was finished. The baths received the medal of honor from the European Europa Nostra Association.
The palace also has a very large Naive Museum, with works from the best Spanish artists who paint in this style. The Naive Museum is the first of its type in Spain. Many of these paintings are very beautiful and very enjoyable. The palace also houses a Museum of Popular Arts and Customs and shows costumes that the people of Jaen use. There is a large collection of furniture, ceramics, and farm tools displayed in this section.
7. Church of San Ildefonso
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 72 reviews
Reviewed By BennyMalaga - Malaga, Spain
Not far from the Cathedral is the Church of San Ildefonso, a Gothic church built in 1248, that is venerated by the faithful because it has the Virgin of the Chapel, who is the patron saint of Jaen. It is said that on June 10, 1430, the Virgin descended from heaven and freed the city from a Moorish siege. The high altarpiece shows the descent of the Virgin to the city and it also contains the tomb of Andres de Vandelvira, the architectural genius.
The exterior of the church is like a fortress. There are two towers beside the facade. The main facade was done in the 18th century in the Neoclassic style by Ventura Rodriguez. This facade has four columns with a cornice supporting a triangular front. The lateral facade has a Renaissace style that dates from the 16th century and was designed by Andres de Vandelvira.
There are three naves in the church with pillars that support pointed arches. The style is late Gothic. The main altar is Baroque and was designed by Pedro Duque. The sacristy contains valuable objects of art.
8. Hornos de Segura
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Reviewed By SanMijas - Mijas, Spain
A break from city living or the park. Get out and walk the village hanging from the cliffs with fabulous views. Take a picnic and stop at the Mirador. Just relax! Easy drive from anywhere in the park and the start of tour if you want to visit the other high sierra pueblos of the parks.
9. Alcaudete
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By BevG164 - Maidstone, England, United Kingdom
I have grown to love this little town, nestling around it's imposing castillo.
There is a strong sense of good values, respect and the importance of family among the local people and the ex-pats living there.
The castle dominates everything and is well worth the short climb to explore the buildings, ruins, new exhibition centre and to learn the ancient and fascinating history of the town, once vital in the defence of the region.
There are sufficient shops for all your needs and some lovely eating places. The park is lively with townsfolk in the evenings and into the night since a siesta is essential during the hot afternoons but the open air swimming pool provides a popular and welcome refuge with excellent changing facilities and a bar offering a simple range of good quality food, drinks and ice creams. The pool itself is a standard 25m pool surrounded by well-watered grass and umbrellas providing vital shade.
There are religious fiestas all year round with many musical and artistic events.
I have been there in October when the temperature dropped to an unusually low 17-20 degrees and at Easter when, though slightly warmer, it rained every day, thundered and was much wetter than expected! However, in August, you can be sure of long, hot, dry days well into the 30's and up into the 40's.
I have the privilege of having been introduced to local people who are most welcoming and polite and to English people who have made Alcaudete their home.
It is an unspoilt haven where buses can be erratic and where progress is slowly helping the economy but I hope that change doesn't spoil the current lovely atmosphere.
10. Arco de San Lorenzo
Overall Ratings
4 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By Clanranald - Glasgow, United Kingdom
It's interesting but don't expect to spend much time there and look out for passing cars. Be prepared for a walk up hill.
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