Route through Jaén: the Andalusian province with the most castles in Europe.
Located in the northeast of Andalusia, the province of Jaén invites you to explore its extraordinary heritage. To stroll through its incomparable monumental wealth. And to discover one of the four kingdoms of Andalusia. Get ready to be a real king, on this route amongst castles.
First stop: Burgalimar Castle, a perfect oval.
The route starts to the north, in the town of Baños de la Encina. There you will find the Burgalimar Castle, one of the oldest in all of Europe. An extraordinary building in the Moorish style that you will see rising in the distance and then get to see closely as you pass between the fourteen perfectly preserved towers.
Second stop: the Castle of El Trovador Macías and a wonderful love story.
The route continues towards Arjonilla, a small town with a dark secret: the tragic romance of the Castle of El Trovador Macías. Very much in the Moorish style, the keep of the castle will tell you a story that you will not be able to forget. It will tell you how Macías el Enamorado was imprisoned. And it will inspire you as it did for Lope de Vega, a poet and playwright of the Spanish Golden Age.
Third stop: the Castle of Santa Catalina, the highest lookout point.
Near the city of Jaén, the Castle of Santa Catalina rises between soaring peaks. An extraordinary fortress with three floors, vaults and pointed arches. A stroll between incredible walls with their origin in the Caliphate. You will see the castle cross, a symbol of the city. And you will see thousands of olive groves at your feet.
Fourth stop: the Castle of Alcaudete and the Order of Calatrava.
Finally in the town of Alcaudete you will find one of the best restored castles in Spain. You will take a walk through the impressive chapter house. Historical stables. And remains from the Order of Calatrava.
Be prepared for a route that will leave you stunned.
