Jaen

The expansion of the Renaissance in the province of Jaén in the 16th century imposed a certain "conservatism" upon its architecture in the 17th and 18th centuries, and one may see the influence of the classical tradition here more than in other areas of Andalusia.

This fact, and the creation of colonies in the north of the province, are the underlying points of our tour. The Cathedral of Jaén has a remarkable façade (E. Lopez de Rojas), as well as the choir and the church of El Sagrario (Ventura Rodriguez).

Nearby, there are the interesting churches of San Bartolomé and La Merced, and the Convent of Santo Domingo. In Mancha Real, worthy of note is the Church of San Juan. Baeza and Ubeda have many remarkable buildings belonging to religious orders, such as the Trinitarians and Jesuits.

The Church of San Ignacio is outstanding in Baeza. The Hospital of San Juan de Dios in Linares is a good example of the architecture of this mendicant order. The Hermitage of Zocueca at Bailén and of Cristo del Llano at Baños de la Encina are two examples of baroque interior decoration.

Towards the north, we find the New Settlements of Sierra Morena, urban developments brought about by 18th century reformism and its enlightened ideas. These are generally of an octagonal design with a studied layout of the main architectural elements, such as church, town hall, granary and prison. La Carolina (capital of the New Settlements) has a Church and Palacio del Intendente worthy of note.

Guarromán, Carboneros (parish church), Navas de Tolosa, Santa Elena and Aldeaquemada finish the route.