Jaén (city, Spain)

The most beautiful Renaissance church in Andalusia. It was built in the 16th and 17th centuries and dedicated to Maria Asuncion de la Virgen (Assumption of Mary). Ferdinand III built a church on the walls of a former mosque. Later, in the 15th century, the construction of a Gothic chapel was started to house the "Holy Face". In the 16th century, the Renaissance builder Andrés de Vandelvira began the renovation. The three-aisled cathedral was declared a historical monument. Eufrasio Lopéz de Rojas created the baroque facade. The church has 17 chapels with paintings and sculptures from the 17th and 18th centuries. The choir stalls are well worth seeing. It was created by J. Gallego in the 18th century. In the vestibule you can see a beautiful painting of the Sagrada FamiliaAdmire (holy family) by Salvador Maelia. The ceiling of the church interior is decorated with richly decorated hanging domes. They are based on arches. The sculptors Pedro Roldán, Julián Roldán and Lucas Gonzalez created beautiful decorations. The relic of the handkerchief of Veronica is kept in a reliquary made of solid gold and gemstones in the main chapel. The sacristy between the chapter house and the pre-sacristy, which is well worth seeing, can be described as Vandelvira's work of art.

The second largest church in Jaén. It has three portals that were built in different eras.

With the Moorish baths. The manor house from the 16th century houses very well-preserved Moorish baths and the two museums for naive art and folk art. The palace was built by the former viceroy of Peru Fernando de Torres y Portugal. The Moorish baths from the 10th century have been a listed building since 1917. During the Moorish times they were an important meeting point in the city. People bathed and used the opportunity to talk to others. The bathroom consists of four rooms. The vestibule is made of marble with red and white arches. This is followed by the cold, warm and hot room. This is followed by the boiler rooms. Three halls are still preserved. The building has been a cultural and historical monument since 1931. Open: Tu-F 09:00-20:00, Sa Su 09:30-14:30, closed M holidays.

It was built in the Mudejar style and has an interesting altar.

Holy Sunday Royal Monastery was built in the 14th century. It has a beautiful renaissance facade.

An important fortress on the Castilian-Moorish border on the Santa Catalina hill above the city. From the Mirador de la Cruz viewpoint, you have a beautiful view of Jaén and its cathedral and the other churches. The remains of 3 castles can still be seen. In the castle is now the Parador de Jaén.

The oldest and most important piano competition in Spain. It takes place over ten days in late April. Pianists under the age of 32 play works of the great composers.